Mold Allergies

Because there are more than a thousand varieties of mold in the atmosphere, and because only certain types of mold are able to trigger an allergic reaction, mold allergies are less common than most people believe. Molds are found in many different environments, regardless of the weather. In addition, they can develop both indoors and outdoors.

The most common symptoms of mold allergies are related to the respiratory tract. These include sneezing, wheezing, stuffed nose, and itchy throat. Shortness of breath may also be experienced. In addition, itchy eyes and skin, as well as a cough, can be observed. The severity of the symptoms can differ from one person to another. However, the period of time in which the symptoms appear depends on the length of time of exposure to the allergen.

As with other allergies, in order to minimize the symptoms caused by mold allergies, sufferers should avoid those environments where they are likely to come into contact with the mold spores. These mold spores are airborne allergens.

When you suffer from this allergy and inhale mold sores, your immune system considers them to be dangerous intruders. In response, several chemical substances, known as antibodies, are set free in your body. The primary antibodies are chemical substances known as histamine and lgE. The first one causes the irritation of your skin, nose, and eyes. The lgE is responsible for the symptoms that show up in your respiratory tract.

Avoiding mold spores is not always possible, but there are medications that can help alleviate your allergy symptoms. First, though, you'll want to visit with your physician. A simple skin scratch test, combined with some blood work, will identify the allergens behind your symptoms, and from there your physician should be able to recommend a treatment. As in the case of other allergies, treatment will likely be based on the use of antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and bronchodilators. When none of these work, your physician may suggest immunotherapy.

The manner in which mold allergies are triggered has not yet been determined. However, scientists have been able to pinpoint some risk factors. In some cases, mold allergies are inherited, passed down from one generation to another. We also know that living in an environment characterized by high humidity may also be a contributing factor. Some of the newer homes feature hermetically sealed windows and doors that don't permit good ventilation, a situation that can contribute the growth of mold.