Mold Allergy - Symptoms and Prevention

Mold allergy is less common than other allergies. Out of the thousands of types of mold in the environment, only a few dozen can cause allergic reactions that pose a threat to human health. Mold grows in all kinds of climates and thrives both indoors and outdoors; consequently, mold allergy does not have a defined season like pollen allergy does. When microscopic mold spores are inhaled, they often cause allergic rhinitis (hay fever symptoms) by irritating the lining of the nose. They sometimes reach the lungs and cause asthma.

Symptoms of mold allergy include:

• Sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion
• Chronic cough
• Itchy, watery and red eyes
• Skin rashes and hives
• Sinus headaches
• Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing

Certain foods that are processed with mushrooms and dried fruits can aggravate the symptoms of mold allergy. Foods that contain ingredients such as yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar can also upset the body's system and worsen the symptoms.

Who is at greater risk?

People can develop a mold allergy if they or other family members have allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander. However, similar to other allergies, suffering from one type of mold does not necessarily lead to being allergic to all molds since mold spores vary.

People whose occupations regularly expose them to mold are at a greater risk of developing allergies. Farmers, dairymen, loggers, bakers, mill workers, carpenters, greenhouse employees, winemakers and furniture repair persons are often subject to allergic reactions.

Prevention

The chances of getting a mold allergy can be significantly reduced by following these tips:

• Wear a dust mask when cutting grass, digging around plants, picking up leaves and disturbing plant materials
• Reduce the humidity indoors to prevent fungi from growing
• Cluck for mold in your home

Testing

The allergy skin test is the most accurate way of discovering if one is allergic to mold. An alternative is the allergy blood test, which produces the same results as a skin test. The allergy blood test is better suited for people with very sensitive skin, or for people who take medication that may cause inaccurate skin test results.

Treatments

• Medication Medication for mold related allergy is the same as that of pollens and other inhalant allergies, which consists of bronchodilators, antihistamines,
• Immunotherapy A series of injections given in gradually increasing dosages can be administered to help treat mold allergy. The injections include extracts of various allergens to help the body develop a tolerance to that allergen.

The Main Purpose of Understanding the Term Mold Allergies

Molds are fungi that cause spoilt food and some diseases as well. Not all of them are hazardous; some even lend a hand in humiliating food and other innate wastes. Other types of mold are also influential in making beverages, food and tablets. These fungi can be seen everywhere in the world and can virtually survive at some of the more extremes temperatures.

Working of Mold Allergies:

Some types of mold produce allergens which in turn can affect humans if the allergens are inhaled. These allergens may cause allergic reactions like a runny nose and watery eyes, along with sneezing. Mold Allergies may also cause an asthma attack or a skin rash on certain highly sensitive individuals. Mold allergies can also produce a potentially deadly toxin called mycotoxins. This mold product can kill if ingested and it can also affect livestock and poultry through the feeds they consume and still reach humans in a completely different level because the mycotoxins do not easily degrade or decompose.

In total exchange of a lethal role in humans, mold is used to generate penicillin, the antibiotic, to help in some human diseases and sickness. Alexander Fleming was the genius who discovered this medicine that helped save many human lives.

Reckoning of Mold Allergies:

Mold Allergies can in fact causes a number of different things. This is because the mycotoxins that are produced by toxic mold create various environmentally toxic airs that covers the body's myelin, and this results in depleting this important substance that covers the nerves. Because of this the nerves are then exposed without any protection and this will cause them to begin functioning improperly.

Mold Allergy can cause memory loss, which may tend to be less conspicuous at first but which will get much worse as time goes on. Another problem caused by Mold Allergy is anxiety, while others include personality disorders, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath, abdominal pain, hair loss, skin rashes, fatigue, and numbness in extremities, cough, sore throat, rectal bleeding, and even fibromyalgia.

Mold Allergies can include a bad cough, sneezing, jamming, eye watering and a runny nose. Sinus headaches, nose bleeds, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and a bad skin rash can also be symptoms of mold. It can occur in homes where foam board has been used as wall insulation. This is because there is no space to let the walls breathe and as a result, ideal conditions are created for mold to grow.

There are also methods of prevention that you can take in order to try to stop mold allergies from happening in the first place, namely taking proper care of your home and making sure that if there are every any humidity or dampness problems that you take care of them as soon as possible.

Mold Allergies and Asthma

In reality, having a mold allergy isn't as prevalent as people imagine. That is astonishing considering the amount of mold there is out there in the world. The majority of medical experts agree that of the many different types of molds, only a few dozen are actually potent enough to attack and elicit an allergic reaction. Since molds and fungi can grow in all kinds of weather conditions, those who have mold allergies can have a problem at any time of the year.

There are a lot of asthmatics who are allergic to mold, which aggravates a relatively uncomplicated problem. The ideal strategy for asthmatics allergic to mold is to completely stay away from the source of their allergy. This approach is the single most effective strategy for averting asthma problems triggered by mold. The breathing in of mold seeds that are airborne can be prevented by avoiding substances with mold spores in them.

It might be difficult or impossible to avoid substances with mold spores. If you have asthma, it is particularly a challenge to live with an allergy to mold. It is great that medication for asthma will affect a cure for the symptoms from mold spores and seeds. It is essential to keep asthma medicine handy at all times for people with asthma; especially since mold spores can easily bring on an attack.

Quite simply, when those who have mold allergies encounter mold spores, their bodies behave as if they are being attacked. This is a particular problem for those who have an asthma allergy to mold because it makes the respiratory system fill with mucus. The symptoms created by an asthma allergy can be very serious or even deadly because what brings on a mold allergy is very common.

Although there are not enough allergens present in most kinds of mold to cause serious allergy attacks, they can still be problematic for asthma victims. The best way to prevent both of these problems is to maintain a clean environment for the sufferer and for the victim to always keep medication for asthma and mold allergy symptoms handy.

Attack Back - Mold Allergies

Mold allergies can be a constant source of discomfort. Unlike seasonal allergies that get seasonal time off; or food and pet allergies, which can be physically avoided, mold allergies bother sufferers 24/7. This is because mold is around us all the time, every day, indoors and out, rain or shine.

People with mold allergies tend to have their most severe symptoms in the summertime. But mold spores, the allergen in question, are released into the air in warm or cold weather; in humid or dry conditions. In addition, mold can settle and grow almost anywhere, making nowhere safe for the mold allergy sufferer.

On the bright side - there are thousands of types of molds and only a small few will cause allergies. These generally are the types that live in moisture, such as outdoor mold on damp leaves and grass cuttings or in rotting vegetation and trees. Indoor moisture molds of allergenic nature can grow in the laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, basement, or attic; anywhere moisture gathers.

Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of all other allergies - skin irritations, chronic sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. A doctor can give you a simple skin test to determine if you are allergic to mold. Once diagnosed, a plan for treating the current symptoms and preventing further occurrences can be developed.

Symptoms can be treated by over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. For a severe reaction, see your doctor. He can get you some prescription strength medications that will do the trick.

The next thing you need to do is remove or minimize all possible sources of the mold allergens from your home. Here are some recommended actions:

1. Assure the house is properly ventilated and have working exhaust fans in each bathroom.

2. Use central air conditioning, if possible. Install a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the central air conditioning unit. This prevents mold spores from being circulated throughout the home.

3. If you have carpeting in any room that could become damp, like the kitchen, bathroom or basement, remove it. Carpeting plays host to mold and you're better off without it if it could easily get wet.

4. Because mold can accumulate very quickly, bathrooms and kitchens need to be scrubbed frequently.

5. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home. If you don't have a dehumidifier, raising the temperature also reduces humidity.

6. Any water draining from the roof should be channeled away from the building's foundation to eliminate the mold growth process closest to you.

7. Any leaks in the home should be repaired as soon as possible to stop any mold growth within the structure that will be harder to detect and get rid of later. This could happen anywhere, but is especially prevalent in roofs, foundations and areas of wall near windows or doors.

8. Steps should be taken to help assure that any place in the yard that becomes damp, especially in close proximity to the house and open windows, should be able to dry. Remove excess foliage, or cut trees, to allow air and sun to get at these areas and dry them out regularly.

Don't let mold allergies get the better of you. Fight back!

Facts and Myths About Mold Allergies

Sneezing? Itching? Dry Skin? Nasal discharge? Stuffy Nose? If you have any of these symptoms (among others), you may have an allergy to mold. A mold allergy is less common than you might think, given the thousands of types of mold in the environment. Out of those thousands, however, only a few dozen can cause an allergic reaction.

Mold and mildew are fungi. They differ from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The "seeds," called spores, are spread by the wind outdoors and by air indoors. Some spores are released in dry, windy weather. Others are released with the fog or dew when humidity is high. This affect can bring upon mold allergy symptoms to people.

Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Mold allergy symptoms from fungus spores are most common from mid to late summer. But with fungi growing in so many places, allergic reactions can occur year round in any part of the world.

A few years back, newspaper, magazine and television news headlines were full of frightening reports about a toxic black mold, which supposedly caused serious lung disease and caused countless homes unfit to occupy. "Black mold" is a non-medical term that usually refers to the greenish-black mold that is a result from heavy water damage. A type of mold that has not been conclusively linked to severe mold reactions. Scientists and researchers are still trying to determine the health effects of mold exposure, and if there are any more mold allergy symptoms from Black mold, but many experts believe that reactions to them have not been widespread or common enough to be a significant health problem.

People often have mold allergy symptoms if they have other members of their family who are allergic to a variety of items like pollen or animal dander; however, that is not always the case. People can become allergic to only mold or fungi and may also have allergies to dust mites and pollens, without having a family history of mold allergy symptoms.Farmers, dairymen, loggers, bakers, mill workers, winemakers and furniture repairers all work in environments where exposure to mold is a greater risk. These workers are more likely to develop and suffer mold allergy symptoms. Other occupations that have more exposure to mold are carpenters and greenhouse employees.

Some people with mold allergy may experience allergy-related asthma, which can be serious in the event of an asthma attack. Mold Allergy symptoms of asthma include: coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be controlled by medication under a physicians care. If you have asthma caused by a mold allergy, it is the best to avoid the source of the mold spores. Mold Spores are airborne seeds you can easily inhale. Totally avoiding substances as common as mold can be difficult. Fortunately, asthma and allergy medications can relieve the symptoms of mold allergy.

In order for a physician to diagnose this allergy, you must first discuss with your doctor all of your mold allergy symptoms. Your doctor will take a complete medical history and if a mold allergy is suspected, the doctor will often do a skin test and if an allergy is determined, medication will be prescribed from that point on.

Mold Allergy Remedies - Various Solutions Available For You

Many people are suffering from mold allergy. In fact, people may have their own specific reaction to hem due to its cause. Mold is an organism that grows on spoiled foods like while others would have molds inside their houses by leaving it or its part damp for some time. The problem with molds is they're unhealthy and can cause lots of allergic reactions to people. Just like reactions to pollens, common reactions include sneezing, congestion, runny nose and skin rash. Another problem with mold is they can easily spread across the house. This is why it's important to get mold allergy remedies right away to keep you from getting more serious problem from it. This way you could get relief from its symptoms.

Molds typically grow on foods like cheese and bread when they're past their expiration date. This growth is characterized by greenish to black color right on the food and can be harmful upon intake. So make sure to check your food first for its expiration date before taken. People who are allergic to this organism can cause nasal inflammation while those who have asthma may experience asthma attacks. One of the ways for you to avoid this problem is to keep your house clean to avoid growth of these organisms particularly on areas that have high chances of getting damp. Moreover, asking a physician about the possible treatment options to get is also a good practice to do especially if you've been suffering from this condition for a long time.

You'll find a lot of mold allergy remedies today like shots which will keep your body from reacting with mold exposure. Furthermore, antihistamines are also available at pharmacies so you don't have to rush to your physician just to get it treated. They can be purchased without prescription or you can ask your physician during your checkup for the best antihistamines for you. Nasal sprays which can calm down your nasal passages will be an aid you in breathing easily. If you've noticed there's a mold growth in your home, consult your physician as you won't know if it has caused you any medical issues.

Mold, Allergies and Asthma - Is Your House Making You Sick?

Mold in the home can be a trigger for those with allergies and asthma. Find out why those with mold allergies should avoid spaces with the hot-air heat, central air conditioning and wall-to-wall carpeting that can be carriers for mold.

Question:

Ever since we moved into our new house, our son has been constantly coughing. Now his doctor tells me he's asthmatic. He was fine before. Could the house be a problem?

Answer:

You don't mention whether you have a family history of allergies and asthma, and we're not physicians, so continue to discuss this situation with your doctor.

That said, indoor air quality expert, Jeff May, doesn't recommend that people with mold allergies or sensitivities live in houses with hot-air heat, central air conditioning, and wall-to-wall carpeting. If you do have this type of HVAC system, the least you should do is install a good quality electronic air cleaner to keep the air as clean as possible.

The presence of mold in your house could greatly impact your son's allergies or asthma. If your son's symptoms improve when he is out of the house for an extended period of time, such as a family vacation, we'd recommend that you have an air quality professional do some air and dust sampling for you, to see if mold is present.

If mold is found, removing the mold alone will not solve this problem. You could spend thousands on remediation and unless the source of moisture is eliminated, the problem will reoccur. Mold testing could help narrow down the cause of the mold. Hiring someone who understands buildings before you do a mold test, such as a home inspector who is trained in mold and a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), can help you find the problem and change the conditions, so the mold won't return.

Mold Allergy: Action Steps To Help With Mold Allergy Problems

Molds, also spelled, "moulds" are widespread in the natural environment and in our homes. They form a vital part of nature's plans for recycling biological matter. They are often found in high concentrations on corn and peanuts. Indeed when folks have allergic reactions to these foods it could well be that the reactions are triggered by the mold on the food and not by the corn or peanuts themselves.

Mold and mildew in the home are often found in damp places like kitchens, bathroom and basements. Other places in the home are not exempt. Carpets, mattresses and pillows are often found to have large colonies of mold.

Dealing with mold allergies has to be a balance between taking action in the home to reduce exposure and taking action to improve your health through appropriate lifestyle changes including nutrition.

3 Action Steps in the Home

Before rushing off to the allergist there are lots of practical steps you can take to make your home less welcoming to mold colonies.

• Declutter your living space. Getting rid of piles of clothing, books, newspapers or any other unused item in the home or garage reduces the number of places where mold can hang out and grow colonies. You may want to wear a dust mask or respirator when doing this.
• Cleaning time comes next. It's time to break out the bleach. A cup full of bleach in a bucket of water used to wipe down tiles, window frames and just about anywhere you can reach. The bleach will kill the mold but the surface will need to be cleaned again after wards.
• Running a dehumidifier will help to dry out the home and make it less hospitable to mold.

3 Action Steps for personal health

Before reaching for pharmaceutical medicines, many of which have unwelcome side effects why not use simple safe natural remedies? Here are 3 simple steps you can take.

• Mold can trigger allergy symptoms and asthma so you'll need to be careful to follow any treatment plan worked out for you by your health professional. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing and sinus problems and it may not be obvious that they are caused by mold.
• Natural treatments include sensible doses of vitamin C and quercetin both of which are natural anti-histamines.
• Exposure to sunshine allows the skin to make vitamin D which helps the immune system to balance and not over react to allergens such as mold. As little as 15 minutes of sunshine a day allows your skin to make healthy amounts of vitamin D and leaves you feeling warm and sunny - a boost to health all by itself.