Learn What Causes Mold Allergies, What the Symptoms Are, and How Treatment Plans Work

When your body overreacts to mold spores in the air, you have a mold allergy. Mold spores can cause coughing and other symptoms if you are exposed to them. Mold allergies are frequently linked to asthma. If you have a mold allergy, you should try to limit or prevent your exposure to molds that might produce an allergic reaction.

Mold allergy symptoms

When you have a mold allergy, you may experience a number of indications and symptoms. Mold allergy symptoms differ from person to person and can range from minor to severe. Mold allergy symptoms are comparable to those of other upper respiratory tract signs and symptoms, such as:

• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Postnasal drip and cough
• A stuffy or runny nose
• Eyes that are watery or itching
• Itchy throat and nose
• Skin that is scaly and dry
• Asthma gets worse with time
• Breathing problems
• Tightness in the chest

If you have severe signs and symptoms of mold allergies, you should consult your doctor or an allergist about treatment options.

Mold allergy causes

Your immune system reacts to an allergen, which causes or triggers a mold allergy. Mold allergens are minuscule, airborne mold spores in the case of a mold allergy. When you inhale mold spores, your immune system overreacts because it perceives them as foreign invaders and produces antibodies to combat them.

When you are exposed to mold spores, your immune system reacts by generating a substance called histamines. Histamines are responsible for a variety of signs and symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and others.

Molds can induce allergies in a variety of ways. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and penicillium are some of the most frequent. If you’re sensitive to one form of mold, that doesn’t indicate you’re allergic to them all. You’ll need to talk to your doctor or allergist about what kinds of tests may be done to determine which molds you’re allergic to.

Mold allergy prevention

If you have a mold allergy, decreasing mold development in your house can help avoid your allergy from being triggered. To prevent mold from forming, start by removing any sources of dampness in your basements, such as pipe leaks or ground water seepage.

To keep mold spores and development at bay, use a dehumidifier in moist or musty parts of your house. To trap mold spores in the air within your house, use an air conditioner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Remember to change your furnace and air conditioner filters on a regular basis. To reduce moisture and mold formation, make sure all restrooms are adequately aired.

Give us a call at 805-658-9500 if you’d like to learn more about mold allergy testing, treatment options, or if you have any questions. Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group‘s professionals will be pleased to assist you.