What Are Mold Allergies?

Yuck! Mold makes many people feel uncomfortable because it indicates decay or unsanitary conditions. If you have a severe physical reaction to mold, you may have a mold allergy. Your doctor can test to find out which mold is causing an allergic reaction.

Types

• Mold, which is a fungus, comes in many variations: indoor, outdoor, food borne. Having a mold allergy does not mean you are allergic to all mold. Allergies develop toward specific types.

Effects

• An allergic reaction occurs when a mold is in an active phase releasing mold spores and other floating particles. Mold allergy symptoms include coughing, difficult breathing, sneezing, or itchy skin and eyes. Many molds lay dormant during cold weather, so allergy symptoms are less severe then.

Indoors/Outdoors

• Outdoor molds usually grow in shady areas and on decaying organic matter, such as feces or plants. Indoor mold grows in damp rooms, such as a bathroom or basement, or on foods that are rotting or improperly stored.

Misconceptions

• Many people worry that developing a mold allergy means that all molds is toxic to them. This is not the case. Few molds are toxic to humans. The most widespread and severe form of toxic mold is black mold, which requires warm, moist conditions to grow.

Prevention

• You can prevent allergic reactions by restricting contact with mold. For instance, stay indoors when outdoor molds are active or wear a mask over the mouth and nose when doing yard work. Indoor areas prone to mold growth should be kept dry. Killing mold with bleach or other anti-fungal cleaners may also help prevent allergies.

Treatment

• Many over-the-counter allergy remedies, such as antihistamines or decongestants, lessen the severity of mold allergy symptoms. If a mold allergy is severe, your doctor may recommend allergy shots.