Monday 31 January 2011

Could Your Symptoms Be Due to Mold Allergy?

Are you experiencing a confusing combination of symptoms that your doctor just cannot explain? You could be reacting to mold.

Mold spores are always in the air, and some strains are particularly toxic to humans. But even small amounts of common mold spores can trigger allergic reactions in some people, and lead to multiple symptoms. These may include respiratory problems, headaches, mental fogginess, body aches and pains, rashes and depression, among other things.

Mold allergies become even more of a problem during certain seasons such as autumn, when lots of organic matter decomposes, or spring, when many molds reproduce by releasing huge amounts of mold spores.

Mold develops easily in warm humid environments, and when air moisture is high during to long periods of rain or flooding. Unnoticed water leaks and warm kitchen and bathroom environments create ideal breeding grounds for mold, especially where there is not enough ventilation.

In areas with cold winters, mold can grow on fallen leaves, getting into the air when the leaves are mowed or raked, and triggering allergic reactions.

Mold allergies can go undetected for many years because the symptoms are so varied, and can affect all parts of the body, including the nervous system. Also, mold spores are not visible, and many cases of mold occur in hidden places where they are not noticed.

Not many doctors realize just how insidious mold allergies are, or how many different symptoms they can cause. Mold allergy should be considered whenever a person presents with systemic or multiple symptoms, especially if those symptoms seem to occur at certain times of year such as rainy season or autumn, or in particular environments such as one house or room, but not another.

To protect against mold, remove moldy-looking or musty-smelling potting soil; wash and dry dish cloths every day; air out sweaty shoes; wipe showers dry after each use; regularly air out cupboards, basements or attics, ensure good ventilation, and let sunlight into the rooms.

If you suspect that you or a family member is reacting to mold, do not wait until your symptoms get worse. Get tested and treated.

Holistic medical practitioner Dr Dzung Price and her team deliver a comprehensive array of healing modalities, cutting edge medical technology, and self-empowerment solutions to provide optimal health, energy and wellness in mind, body and spirit.

At the Renew You Centres for Wellbeing and Longevity in Queensland, this outstanding team of caring practitioners use a combination of detoxification, hormonal balancing, adrenal and thyroid health, emotional therapies, gut healing therapies, and advanced allergy elimination to remove, correct and heal the underlying causes of most modern disease and premature aging.

Tag : mold allergy,mold allergy sympotoms,sympotoms,mold allergy treatment,diet and mold allergy

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Dzung_Price_M.D.

Tuesday 25 January 2011

Mold Allergies, Symptoms and Some Treatment Options

Mold is pervasive. It is a fungus whose spores travel through the air and which can spread easily. Such spores can be produced by fungi growing on plants and trees and especially on rotting leaves.

It is a year round hazard because mold and or mildew may be growing in your home or workplace. Moreover there is a seasonal aspect to mold allergy because fungal allergy is linked to seasonal asthma.

In the home, mold flourishes in damp conditions. It is common to find it in bathroom and basements but any humid room such as a kitchen may provide the conditions it needs. And before rushing out to get a dehumidifier it may be wise to check the building for leaks whether from external water coming in or from plumbing problems. That done it may be useful to use a dehumidifier.

Once the mold problem has been identified and appropriate action taken we can turn to treatment of the symptoms.

Mold Allergy Symptoms

These will be the same kind of symptoms caused by other allergens such as pollen. They will vary from person to person but typically include symptoms similar to any upper respiratory infection. So the patient may suffer from sneezing and cough - which shows that the body is trying to remove toxins and debris from lungs and throat. Itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat is also typical for mold allergy. Lastly, a mold allergy patient may have watery eyes and either a blocked nose or stuffy nose.

Treatment Options for Mold Allergy

The best advice is typically to remove the cause. We've discussed some measures we can take at home. In fact anything you can do to reduce any allergen at all will help the body cope with mold allergies. The reason why that is all the individual allergies a person suffers with will produce inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream.

So the more small allergies you suffer with, the greater the amount will be of the total of histamine and other inflammatory chemicals your body has to cope with. Reducing, for example, the amount of animal dander in your bedroom, simply by excluding pets, may well reduce your food allergies. If this sounds bizarre, read the paragraph again. There is solid science behind it.

After removing as much mold as possible and dehumidifying the building we turn to mold allergy medication . Whether you take conventional medication or use alternative vitamin or herbal based remedies is a matter of personal choice - even a mater of personal philosophy.

But which ever option you take you should take it with expert advice and keep a note of your progress through the treatment period. If you are satisfied with the treatment then simply follow the personal advice you received and if not satisfied it's important to return to your health professional and get a better solution to your mold allergy problem.

Tag : mold allergy,mold allergy symptoms,mold allergy treatment,mold allergy relief

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Mold Allergy Carries Critical Effects

Mold is inside the air and all folks are exposed to it at times. There are many various types of mold that individuals are exposed to and some persons possess a mold allergy that can make the exposure problematic. Only some on the molds in the environment will create an allergic reaction, and only some men and women will have this reaction to those molds. Mold can have an effect on these men and women at any time on the year, and these people may very well be exposed to these molds on the inside their homes and outside too. Some molds that develop mold allergies are additional prevalent inside the spring and fall.

Those persons who have asthma could possess this allergy that produces the signs or indicators of this issue. To be able to stay clear of the awful signs and signs and symptoms which contain trouble breathing, those who suffer from asthma due to the fact of mold allergy ought to prevent areas exactly where they will come into contact while using mold spores. These mold spores are airborne allergens that impact these men and women. An asthma attack could be a frightening, life threatening knowledge so men and women with this problem should make sure that they know where these spores exist and steer clear of them whenever doable.

Avoiding mold spores and also the mold allergy that they produce isn't often doable, but there are some great medications that will alleviate these signs or symptoms. These signs and signs contain sneezing, coughing, wheezing and other uncomfortable signs of the mold allergy. These signs or signs and symptoms are a reaction of the entire body on the notion that the human body is being attacked by these mold spores that generate the allergy. These signs are the response on the human body to repel these attackers. The signs are meant to expel the allergens through the physique.

A mold allergy needs to be diagnosed with aid from the doctor who will begin by noting particulars from the onset of the indicators. The doctor will possibly ask for some skin and blood tests to offer scientific facts on the patient's ailment. The skin test should be in a position to provide particular information on the presence in the types of allergy experienced by each patient. The physician should be in a position to recommend a treatment for the patient. The therapies for this allergy might be extremely effective for quite a few individuals. There are many medications and remedies that the physician will suggest. The person suffering from mold allergy should be in a position to discover relief from this annoying issue.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Tanady

Sunday 16 January 2011

Symptoms Of A Mold Allergy

Do you suffer from symptoms of a mold allergy?

Mold is a fungi that grows on expired food and in damp areas. Symptoms of a mold allergy are caused by tiny mold spores that are spread easily in the wind or by indoor air currents. Mold is very resilient and even though its grows well indoors at room temperature it can withstand icy winter temperatures and lie dormant until the spring where it again emerges. There are thousands of different types of mold but only a few dozen are responsible for allergies.

Most often mold is discovered in bathrooms and basements, or other damp places that water has been spilled and not cleaned up. Surface mold is fairly easy to recognize, but hidden mold can be very difficult to find allowing it to grow under cover. Mold forms behind wallpaper, under rugs, floorboards, behind tile and walls. Mold testing can help determine and find these hidden sources of mold before they grow and destroy building materials and cause more health problems.

Symptoms of a mold allergy can include:

* Wheezing or coughing

* Runny or stuffy nose

* Red itchy eyes

* Watery eyes

* Skin rashes

* Sinusitis

*Dermatitis

*Headaches

In recent years toxic mold has become more of a health problem in homes and the workplace. Some molds release gas or liquid that are toxic these are known as mycotoxins and can be responsible for severe health problems especially in the those whose immune systems are weak or have been compromised. If you think you might have mold allergy symptoms or find any type of mold in your house it should be removed as soon as possible before it has time to spread.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_K_Smith

Thursday 13 January 2011

Potential Mold Allergies and How to Prevent Them

Like other types of allergies, having an allergic reaction to mold can range from a mere irritation to extremely damaging cases. However, there are actually medical treatments that can overcome certain immediate symptoms of allergy.

Mold is present everywhere. It can break down organisms as a part of their life cycle. Studies show that it is the essential part of how plants and animals actually clean up after itself. As long as there are dark, moist places, there will always be mold growth.

Similar to dust and pollen, mold spores can affect people who are susceptible to it. People who have mold allergies will react to it once they get highly exposed to the fungus. It doesn't actually matter if the climate is cool or warm; people with mold allergies are bound to suffer from the gradual build up mold spores released in the air in their area.

There are different types of molds, depending on their location - whether outdoors or indoors. It doesn't matter what type of mold there is - the environment control measures that affect their growth remain the same - they thrive in dark, damp areas.

Since mold allergies are similar to other types of allergies, the symptoms are also the somewhat the same. This includes wheezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching around the eyes, hives or rash and difficulty in breathing. This type of allergy is also related to sinus problems, where, people who have this tend to become irritable and restless for extended periods.

For severe cases, mold allergies can trigger asthma, long-term breathing problems and other respiratory issues.

Since it is a known fact that prevention is always better than cure, learning preventive measures for mold allergies is most ideal. To prevent mold allergies, you need to address the root of the problem - the mold spores. Some preventive measures include preventing water leaks, controlling humidity, having lots of ventilation, removing dust and replacing shower curtains with mold growth. Other preventive measures include getting an air purification system, changing the aircon filter often and getting an air dehumidifier.

Mold allergies are not contagious but they can be a burden. People who have this type of allergy should not take it for granted, it is best to find ways to prevent exposure to the root of the problem rather than finding ways to treat it when you're already suffering from it.

Tag : mold allergy,mold allergy remedies,mold allergy treatment,mold allergy relief

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Singleton

Wednesday 12 January 2011

How to Handle and Prevent A Mold Allergy

Mold allergy is a respiratory allergy in which your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. This reaction triggers a cascade of reactions that lead to allergy symptoms. Mold is a fungus that produces a superficial growth on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. Mold and mold spores are present in the environment all year-round, indoors and outdoors. Although it is more present in warm, humid climates, molds exist throughout the globe. Typically fresh air contains more mold spores than pollen grains.

Mold Allergy symptoms vary from person to person and could be mild or severe. It has the same signs and symptoms that occur in other upper respiratory allergies. Common allergy symptoms are itchy, watery and red eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, skin rashes and hives, sinus headaches and difficulty in breathing. If you are exposed to mold spores, symptoms of asthma may also occur. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Signs and symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

People who are allergic to substances such as pollen or animal dander usually are allergic to molds. People may become allergic to only mold or fungi or they may also have problems with dust mites, pollens and other spores. Farmers, carpenters, loggers and bakers are more exposed to molds and are at greater risk of developing allergies.

To treat this type of allergy, first is you should avoid contact with the spores. Reduce the humidity indoors to prevent fungi from growing. When you are cutting grass, planting of plants, digging around plants, wear a dust mask for protection. Take medications to prevent allergic reactions to worsen. You can find antihistamines and decongestants available over the counter without any prescription. If medications are not sufficient, talk to your doctor about taking allergy shots (immunotherapy). This works for some carefully selected patients.

Actually, allergies are not curable. However, the symptoms can be reduced. During periods when mold count is high, stay indoors. This will minimize the amount of molds you inhale. The amount of airborne spores is likely to change quickly, depending on the weather. Use air cleaners to eliminate spores that could be the cause of mold allergy. Common molds usually build up inside the house especially in bathrooms, basements and laundry areas. Reduce dampness by putting an exhaust fan or open a window in the bathroom. Repair any plumbing leaks and thoroughly clean sinks and tubs at least once a month.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Edward_Pearson

Tuesday 11 January 2011

Mold Allergy Symptoms - What You Should Know About Mold Allergies

One of the most common ailments that people experience is allergies. Allergies affect millions of people every year. The reason why most people put up with different allergies is because usually the symptoms are mild. A very common allergy that a lot of people suffer from is mold. Different mold allergy symptoms can include reactions such as headaches, body aches, pains, rashes, depression, mental fogginess and respiratory problems.

People who suffer from these allergies are usually affected during certain periods of the year more than others. In some seasons there are lots of organic materials that are decomposed. This can create a lot of mold spores that are released in their air. This usually occurs throughout autumn as the leaves begin to fall. During spring mold allergies are also quite common because of all the mold spores that are released into the air.

Mold is usually developed in places of warm humid environments or different places that have a lot of moisture in the air. You might have an unnoticed leak that could create a lot of mold. Leaving food products out for an extended period of time can also create a lot of mold in the air.

If you suffer from mold allergy symptoms it is often very difficult to completely avoid all forms of mold. Try and check everything that you eat and ensure that it is fresh. This will ensure that you avoid eating foods that contain mold spores. By checking all of your food it will allow you to avoid some of the allergic reactions.

If you suffer from different Mold Allergy Symptoms you should ensure that you find a good treatment. One of the best ways to reduce your Allergy Symptoms is to look for a treatment program that can help you deal with your outbreaks.

Tag : mold allergy,mold allergy sympotoms,mold allergy treatment,mold allergy medicine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Mackay

Monday 10 January 2011

Mold Allergy Medicine

Mold allergies are caused when you live in a house where you are exposed to mold spores. You can also be exposed to mold spores in other areas of your life, but is generally in the home where most people are suffering from allergic reactions to mold. Mold allergy medicine is an answer to this problem. But first let's have a look at problem of mold.

There are mold allergic reactions caused by airborne pollutants, and mold allergies are no exception to this. Mold spores are part of the reproductive process that mold goes through. Mold spores can stay airborne indefinitely, so no matter how you try to avoid exposure to them, you will always fail if you are in an environment where they exist in great amounts.

Even the allergic reactions to other airborne allergens are similar to the allergic reactions felt with spores from mold. They generally come in the form of a runny nose, itchy eyes which can be very sore, sneezing, headaches, general irritation, and flu-like feelings. This is where the mold allergy medicine tries to alleviate some of the problems.

Mold Allergy medicine comes in the form of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and sometimes bronchodilators. These medications are meant to treat the symptoms of mold allergy. There also a series of injections that are available from your physician to try and combat the long-term exposure to mold spores. The injections contain an element of mold and are usually given over time and in increasing doses in order to build a level of a tolerance to the mold.

Mold allergy medicine is really only going to address the problem in the short-term. You must try and eliminate the mold spores from your environment. This means that you have to get your home treated in most cases. This will involve first removing excess moisture, then removing the mold spores themselves. If you do this you will no longer need mold allergy medicine in order to live in your home.

Tag : mold allergy,mold allergy medicine,mold allergy treatment,mold allergy relief

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_A._Burton

Friday 7 January 2011

Mold Allergy in Food - The Cause and the Cure

At first, I never knew that mold allergy can come from food. My mother and I share the same allergy. Damp places, high humidity climate, old clothes or books always give us difficult breathing or other mild asthma symptoms. But when my mother was diagnosed to have the allergy from food, I just realized that there are many kinds of food that use mold in the processing. Who can have this allergy? Do both mold allergy in food and in air always come together? And how to cure it? Keep on reading...

Mold, as well as mildew, is included in the fungi family. They differ from other plants or animal by their unique reproducing methods. Their seeds are called spores. When an allergic patient is inhaling spores, they might have symptoms like sneezing and difficult breathing. Besides in the air, mold can also grow in foods. Although it's only in small percentage, people with respiratory mold allergy can have the same allergy from food too. My mother cannot eat foods that are processed with mold, such as soy sauce, 'tempeh' or fermented cassava, while I don't share the same allergy.

Although not a processed food, peanut can also cause the allergy from the mold alfatoxin, a toxin that can be found in corn, wheat, soy, and sorghum, as well as in peanuts. Other foods that might cause the allergy are mushroom, melon, berries, beer, smoked meats, and some grains, as well as some cheeses, like blue cheese. Other dairy products such as milk is believed to contain alfatoxin if it came from cows that is fed by moldy feed. The most common molds found in food are aspergillus and rhizopus.

So how can we avoid and cure mold allergy from our diet?

Just like any other food allergies, the best way is to stay away from foods you are allergic to. You need to have an allergy testing to confirm exact food products that cause your food allergy, and include those foods into your restricted diet. Some people try organic diet to stay healthier. However, as organic products lack of chemical fungicides, they can be moldy faster than non-organic products.

How to cure ?

Allergy is a body reaction agains a toxic situation. Most of the cases, toxins that cause allergy come to non-natural substance. It happens as well in mold allergy. Therefore, the effort to cure the allergy by pharmaceutical medicines seem not appropriate, as those medicines are also toxic.

The best way to cure this allergy, and any other allergies, would be natural cure. Herbal therapy, homeopathy and acupuncture/acupressure are some of natural medication methods that you can try. Of course, sudden discontinuing of pharmaceutical medication would be unwise either. You should consult your doctor before slowly replacing your treatment with natural substance.

Allergy is a unique disease that we often cannot make disappear, however through a consistent and healthy diet and lifestyle, you can live normally with allergy, or even asthma.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fanda_Amnesiana

What Causes Mold Allergy and Asthma Symptoms?

Among the most common types of allergies is mold allergy, because mold can develop just about anywhere and can happen at any time of the year. We more popularly know and identify mold as that yellowish or greenish substance that results from our failure to throw out organic materials and clean out dark and damp spaces.

There are two plant groups in the family of fungi: molds and yeast, each of which has around a thousand permutations and versions to its name. While yeasts are characterized by single cells, molds are comprised of multiple cells that branch out when they grow. Both fungi subfamilies are allergic offenders, but only about a few mold species trigger allergic reactions in people.

Molds, when they multiply, also produce millions of spores. These spores are what cause allergies. When inhaled, these microscopic spores give birth to allergic rhinitis. And because they are so tiny and microscopic, escaping exposure to mold spores and susceptibility to mold allergy may be difficult to accomplish. Mold spores can easily bypass our bodies protective functions and lodge themselves into our respiratory organs.

Some people experience a more severe mold allergy attack when they take in food that has been processed with fungi, like cheese. There are also instances when dried food and some mushrooms, as well as yeast-related foods, like vinegar and soy sauce, help worsen the attack. We cannot say exactly the same for penicillin, however, though it is made from the mold Penicillium, because studies have not shown any blatant relationship between it and mold allergy.

Mold allergy or asthma symptoms related to molds can also come with the season, usually from spring to just before fall ends. Mold season is usually at its highest during the summer, because of the moisture and heat. Some molds thrive in cold temperatures, but most of them simply remain dormant until they are unfrozen and given the chance to grow again. Molds are particularly present just after the spring thaw because they feed on dead vegetation that that have been hit by the winter season.

Wherever there is moisture, you can be sure that molds will be there to grow. The best places they can thrive are damp closets and basements, unmonitored refrigerators, bathrooms, air conditioners, mattresses, house plants and uncleaned garbage pails, among others.

Given this information, households should make sure that all spaces are ventilated well and mold-attractive objects aired out regularly to avoid the development of molds.

The most common molds found in the United States are Cladosporium and Alternaria. Actually, there are many other mold species that they usually outnumber the pollen that spreads in the air. Worse than pollen, they can thrive both indoors and outdoors, and can be very tricky to detect at their early development stages. Most people recognize the presence of mold only after they have grown to annoying and smelly levels.

Continuous exposure to mold will not just bring about mold allergy but also lead to lung disease or asthma. If you have started to feel weird coughing symptoms and some wheezing, better have yourself checked immediately to nip the problem at the bud. Your physician will likely have you undergo a series of tests, including X-rays and blood sampling, to determine the cause. Needless to say, mold allergy, while seemingly temporary, is still not something that you should take for granted.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Herrington

Thursday 6 January 2011

Mold Allergy And What To Do

25 million Americans suffer from allergic reactions to molds, most of them don't even realize they have a mold allergy; that when they are sneezing and sniffling the cause is molds.

Mold spore allergy is common as mold can be found almost everywhere, and all molds reproduce by spores, and send the spore airborne, which causes allergic reactions in many individuals.

Airborne mold spores can cause you to be ill and eventually destroy your health. Many people are unaware that they are breathing mold spores until they are very sick.

As stated, molds produce airborne toxins - these can cause serious breathing difficulties, memory and hearing loss, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and bleeding in the lungs. Yes, it can be that bad.

So it is important to find out where you might have mold in your home and at work by doing a mold test. Molds can be found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, warmth and something to feed on. Warmth and high humidity stimulate mold growth, so mold allergy tends to be most prevalent during the hot, humid summer months.

One of the easiest ways to find out if you have mold in your home is to order a mold test kit online. Look around a little for tests that will test for many molds, or ones that will test for black mold specifically.

A mold test kit is also a great way to test for mold at work. If you find a high count, then go to your supervisor or boss with the information and ask them to do something about it as you have a mold allergy, and others are probably being affected as well.

Get to the bottom of your mold allergy. Now you want to look around for mold in your home. Start with a visual inspection for both mold and moisture around windows, sinks, and water lines.

If you kit shows that you have mold in your home, you may need to get to the bottom of your mold allergy by having a mold inspector come to your home. An inspector will give you a much more thorough inspection that you would not be able to do for yourself.

The inspector will look at such things as:

Humidity of the indoor air, using a properly calibrated meter

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems

Moisture barriers for proper installation and condensation

All water-damaged areas, and locate the point of water intrusion

Mold allergy can make you seriously ill, so take steps soon to locate mold in your home and clear it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeannie_Crabtree

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Dealing With A Mold Allergy

Mold allergy is not nearly as common as you might have thought considering there are thousands of different molds. But out of those thousands about a dozen can cause an allergic reaction.

Molds and fungi grow in all kinds of environments and they really do nicely inside. Outside molds don't really have a season that causes trouble. If you have asthma that is a result of a mold allergy the best thing you can do it so avoid the mold spores. Of course completely avoiding them is pretty difficult, especially air borne molds. Thankfully there are asthma medications that work well.

Wondering what the symptoms are for a mold allergy? They are the same as any other respiratory allergy. Sneezing, cough, runny or stuffy nose, postnasal drip, watery eyes, itchy eyes, itchy nose and throat, sinusitis, and skin rash and for some it causes asthma which has shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

A mold allergy is caused when you come into contact with the mold spores and your body thinks they are a foreign invader so it develops an antibody to fight it. Even after the exposure is over you body will continue to produce antibodies so they will remember this invader the next time contact occurs. The reaction causes your body to release histamines which are what cause your eyes to water and your nose to run.

Toxic black mold is the mold allergy that made the news awhile back because it caused serious lung disease and caused hundreds of homes to be condemned as unfit to live in. Black mold is not a medical term but rather the slang it was dubbed at the time. This greenish black mold develops after serious water damage has occurred and although it has been directly linked to severe mold allergy the scientists still haven't been able to determine why.

The treatment for a mold allergy is the same as with any other allergy. There are several different types of medications both over the counter, prescription, and natural supplements that can help.

For an asthma type mold allergy inhaled corticosteroids can be used if you have symptoms more than twice a week your doctor will likely put you on a corticosteroid medication.

For some the mold allergy results in an instant asthma attach when exposed. Bronchodilators are quick to act bring relief from asthma attack symptoms almost instantly.

Antihistamines are used when the immune system over reacts to the mold allergy producing histamines. Histamines cause watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms. Claritin and Allegra are two common antihistamines that are used.

When a mold allergy causes mucus and sinus problems then using a decongestant can bring relief from those symptoms. Common decongestions include Claritin-D and Allegra-D with the D standing for decongestion. Often an antihistamine and decongestion are combined to get the best relief.

There are also nasal sprays, immunotherapy which is a series of shots, and natural supplements that can help boost the immune system and bring your body into balance. Some can even relieve your histamine symptoms.

If you have a mold allergy it is important to deal with the mold itself whenever possible and then choose the correct treatment for your situation. It always pays to try natural options first before restoring to chemical solutions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Michaelson

Monday 3 January 2011

Mold Allergy - Symptoms and Treatment for Mold Allergies

Just like any other allergies, an allergic reaction to mold spores can range from mild irritation to extremely damaging and even harmful or fatal to your health. There are a medical treatments that are available and will overcome the different symptoms of the mold allergy. But the best thing to do, instead of dealing with the actual allergy itself, is to find the cause of the mold. Once you find the presence of the mold you can eliminate it which will also eliminate any mold allergy that could come from it.

Just like pollen, mold spores are the cause allergic reactions in people who are susceptible, or have allergies. If a person with an allergy to mold is exposed to too much of this fungus, they will have an adverse reaction. Somebody that is known to have allergies from mold will suffer as the mold gradually builds up and is released into the immediate vicinity.

Depending on whether you are indoors or outdoors will also depend on the type of mold that you see. And the symptoms of mold allergies are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies. The most common types of symptoms from a mold allergy are wheezing, itching around the eyes, a runny nose, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and even rash or hives. Some people find that they are very restless for long periods of times, feel weak for no apparent reason, and are affected by sinus problems. The most serious type of symptoms that are related to an allergy from mold are asthma symptoms, which can lead to long-term breathing problems.

The most common places that mold growth is found is usually in the bathroom, the basement, in closets or storerooms, and around garbage cans. You can usually find them around washing and drying machines as well. Any area that is often damp, wet or has water is basically a place where mold can grow. The easiest way to treat somebody with an allergy from mold is finding the source of the mold itself. Areas that can be cleaned regularly are places like bathroom tiles and the shower. You can use exhaust fans, or dehumidifiers in areas that are often moist. This will keep the humidity to a point that is low enough that mold will not be able to grow.

These are just a few steps that you can take to reduce the possibility of a mold allergy and prevent mold growth from happening in the first place.

Mold Allergies - How to Effectively Combat Mold Related Allergies

People who have allergies are also prone to discomfort time and time again. These allergy symptoms, including those of mold allergies, can be present year round. This gets even worse during damp weather conditions.

People who have pollen allergies have a tendency to experience seasonal symptoms. As for mold allergies, these can go on for an entire year if mold issues are not fixed right away.

During the winter months, indoor mold can become a great problem especially since mold can grow inside the house as long as there is enough moisture (in crawl spaces, basement walls or behind bathroom tiles and more). Though mold cannot be detected easily, if you are sensitive to it or you have mold allergies, your body will react and showcase wheezing, coughing, irritated eyes and stuffy nose.

Studies show that everyone can be affected by mold spores. Mold is a type of fungus that can break down animal or plant matter such as wood, leaves, food and dirt. It can be present both inside and outside the house.

However, people with mold allergies have problems with include the triggering of asthma or allergic rhinitis. It can also generate volatile organic compounds or VOCs which can be irritating to the throat, nose and eyes.

As for black mold, it is a type of slow growing mold that can grow only on cotton, paper and wood. For this reason, it is called "toxic black mold". Then again, amidst its name, it is not that poisonous.
Black mold has also been associated for some serious lung problems. Then again, for people who don't have mold allergies, there is also a tendency to develop it. The ones most likely to develop it include small children, infants and the elderly.

Though it can be hard to diagnose mold allergies, it is even harder if the individual has these symptoms and they still don't realize that they have a mold as well as moisture problem at home. It is only when you get rid of the "allergens" such as the mold that you can get better.

Experiencing mold allergies can be a very difficult time. There are even rare cases where mold exposure can result to serious respiratory problems. The symptoms for these include a difficulty in breathing and chest tightness. Some signs of mold allergy include wheezing, runny nose, coughing, irritated throat or eyes and more. When these are being experienced, you can get an allergist to do some skin or blood testing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Singleton

Sunday 2 January 2011

Mold Allergy - How To Get The Help You Need

A mold allergy can be misdiagnosed as being an allergy to a scent or a food. The most common allergy to mold manifests itself as asthma, but people who do have an allergy to mold or mildew can also have watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, a cough or a skin rash. If a person already has asthma, mild exposure to mold can bring on an attack, where as a person without asthma may not even be bothered by it. Small amounts of mold, such as that on a shower curtain, are not serious and will not cause a mold allergy.

If you are exposed to large amounts of mold or mildew, you should take steps to get rid of the source of mold. Some kinds of mold produce mycotoxins and the symptoms of this is much more severe than a mold allergy. Black mold, for example, results from heavy water damage, such as in a flood. You can usually smell the mildew in a home when you first enter it, but for those living there they are so used to it that they don't recognize it as the cause of their mildew allergy.

Moisture and warmth are the two conditions under which mold spores grow at a rapid pace. Even though you may take extra care with cleaning, if some of the water seeps into cracks and crevices, mold can grow in very tiny places and this could be the cause of your mold allergies. Just because you can't see the mold or mildew doesn't mean that it isn't there. Sometimes, you can smell it before you see it and it is them you realize that what you thought was sinus problems could be a mold allergy instead.

To keep your mold allergy to a minimum, you can make sure that you control the level of humidity in your home. The normal level should be below 40% and by using air-conditioners and dehumidifiers you can help prevent mold and mildew from developing. Under ideal circumstances, you should remove carpeting from the bedrooms of your home, or at least from the room of anyone that has a mold or mildew allergy. Foam rubber pillows and mattresses are also breeding grounds for mold and because they are dark, closets are also likely places where you can find mold.

When someone in your home has a mold allergy, it does mean you have to make sure you dry everything before you put it away. Boots and shoes should be thoroughly dried before you put them in the closet and you should use bathroom cleaning products designed to kill mold. An exhaust fan in the kitchen will help moisture from cooking to build up and you should empty the garbage container before it starts to smell. All of these tasks are normal things you can do on a daily basis to help prevent another outbreak of a mold allergy.

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Dealing With Mold Allergies

Mold allergies are a common problem. Just as with any other type of allergy, mold allergies can cause symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. It can even result in serious health conditions developing. Dealing with mold allergies is not always the easiest thing to do but with a few tips, you can find relief of your mold allergies and get yourself feeling back to normal again.

The first step is learning about the causes of mold allergies. Why is it that you suffer from these allergies? Obviously, the cause of mold allergies is mold spores making their way into your immune system, but how do they get there?

Although it may gross you out to think about it, most homes have at least a bit of mold somewhere in them. If the mold growth has not gotten out of control you may not even know it is there. Mold growth in the home is not always a serious issue, unless people in the home are getting sick.

Even if there are only a few mold spores near your home or even your workplace, if you have mold allergies this can result in you having an allergic response. Your body is trying to fight off these mold spores so the allergy symptoms you are experiencing are actually allergy-causing antibodies to fight off the spores.

One can experience a few different symptoms as a result of mold allergies. Runny nose, sneezing, coughing and wheezing are some of the most common symptoms. This is nothing to worry about because it is showing you that your body is working to fight off the bacteria and keep you healthy. That is not to say these symptoms are not a huge pain though, as they can be.

As soon as you notice any mold allergy symptoms it is time to take action. There is no point in suffering longer than you have to. Fortunately, there are some very effective treatments available for mold allergies that can help.

The best way to get started finding a treatment is to talk to your doctor. Your family physician will be able to talk with you and assess your condition. They can help you determine which treatment stands to offer you the best results.

Usually doctors recommend nasal corticosteroids as an initial treatment. Also known as nasal sprays, they are very easy to use and work pretty effectively for most people. It will typically take a few days before you start noticing any results. Because the medication in these products is quite mild, you can continue using them on a more long-term basis than other treatments, which is an added benefit.

There are also decongestants available that work by narrowing the blood vessels in the lining of the nose. As a result, they can help to ease a runny nose and other sinus problems you are experiencing as a result of your mold allergies.

Alternatively, you may want to try immunotherapy which is simply a treatment involving a serious of different allergy shots. If you do not mind getting needles this is an ideal treatment option.

You can always combine two or more treatments to get the most mold allergy relief. Make sure you talk to your doctor about this first to ensure you are not putting yourself at any risk. You also want to ensure medications you are taking or combining together are not addictive and if they are, that you only stay on them for the recommended amount of time.

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Treating Mold Allergies - Tips To Treat Them Effectively

Most people suffer from different types of allergies due to various allergens and one of them is mold allergies. One of the most problematic of allergies is due to molds as this is one allergy that can occur at any time as there is no fixed season for molds to appear. This makes it miserable for those suffering from mold allergies as they will never know when they are likely to get one. But the number of people who suffer from mold allergies is far less than the other allergies though more mold can be found in everyday life. Mold allergies tend to cause sneezing and watery eyes in people and these symptoms can be effectively treated with medication and even prevention.

Mold allergies have the same symptoms as that of other allergies. The common symptoms of mold allergies are nasal congestion, running nose, watery eyes, and rashes or hives on the skin. If you have been in the garden raking the leaves or mowing the grass and you suddenly find that you begin to sneeze continuously and start to itch all over the body then be sure that you are indeed suffering from mold allergies. Sometimes you may even suffer from these symptoms when you enter a musty basement or any place that is moist. To confirm and verify that you are indeed suffering from mold allergies it is best that you see your doctor immediately and have an allergy test done. Normally there are two different types of tests that are carried out. One is the blood test and the other is a skin test. The results of either of the tests will help your doctor determine what exactly is causing your allergy and what medication he or she can give you.

The treatments for most allergies are the prescription of anti histamines and decongestants. If it is more severe then your doctor will prescribe a stronger dosage. To clear your congested nose you can use steroidal sprays or inhalers incase you suffer from asthma. All these medications have been found to be extremely safe and so for mold allergy sufferers, it is not harmful for them to take it all year long.

Though there are medications for such allergies a more effective way is to prevent it. The best way would be to avoid that which can cause the allergy which is the mold spores. Stay away from foods which can develop molds much easily like mushroom and cheese and also stay away from damp places like the basements if you want to avoid mold allergies. Mold can also form on furnace filters, so changing them regularly would prevent molds from forming. Prevention and treatment are ideal ways to tackle mold allergies.

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