What is Mold Allergy?
Mold allergy can occur in any seasons and can affect any age groups can result from nausea, vomiting etc. may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds are found everywhere and can be infectious to health. Mold is a type of fungi which is completely different from plants or animals through which they reproduce and grow.
The spores are seeds spread through air or fog sometimes due to extreme humidity which is dry, windy etc. Do you know what are the symptoms and treatments of mold allergy? Let’s discuss in detail about it.
What Are the Symptoms of a Mold Allergy?
Following are the mold allergy symptoms which includes sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion, dry, scaling skin. Outdoor molds cause allergy symptoms in summer mostly. Indoor molds can result in infections all over the year, hence specific precaution should be taken.
Some individuals have a serious illness called allergic broncho pulmonary aspergillosis. In this medical situation, it is regarded as that mold response can cause symptoms which include severe wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, mostly like asthma. Mushrooms or foods containing vinegar or soy sauce can cause symptoms of allergy. Fungi or foods containing fungi can affect blood vessels and can be hazardous to health. Hence the individual who is prone to allergy should be careful while eating foods related to fungi. They should also consult with doctors to know the guidelines about the mold allergy symptoms.
What is the process of diagnosing Mold Allergy?
To diagnose the allergy from mold or fungi, doctors firstly take a complete medical history. If an individual has a mold allergy, the doctor performs skin tests or allergen-specific IgE blood tests. Fungi extracts are used to prick the skin. If there is no any reaction by performing the tests, then there might be no allergy. Doctor’s first take the patient’s medical history and skin tests results in identifying that there is any mold allergy or not.
How to prevent mold Allergy?
There is no cure for allergies. But you can reduce your allergy symptoms by avoiding contact with the mold spores. Several measures will help:
Reduce Exposure to Mold Spores Outside
- Outdoor activities should be limited to reduce mold counts which get enhanced outside generally. The inhalation of spores can be reduced by minimising outdoor activities.
- Allergy gets enhanced while cutting grass, digging hence individuals who suffer from mold allergy should wear mask.
Reduce Exposure to Mold Spores Inside
- Central air conditioning with a HEPA filter attachment should be used: – Mold spores should be removed from the home. Air cleaners should be fitted in a limited area. The devices should be avoided which treat air with heat, electrostatic ions or ozone.
- Indoor humidity should be lowered: – If moisture remains in excess amount then air cleaners will not work. If indoor humidity will above of 50 percent, fungi will thrive. A hygrometer is a tool which is used to measure humidity to keep the humidity less than 45 percent, however it is said that humidity if less than 35 percent is known to be better.
If you have to use humidifier, then you have to clean the fluid reservoir at least two times a week to prevent mold growth. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers are also known to a major source of mold.
- Reduce deposition of molds in washrooms, basements etc. :- One should pay prime attention to washrooms, basements and laundry areas. You should avoid the dampness in local areas.
Reduce Mold in Your Bathrooms
- Always use an exhauster fan or open window for well-ventilation in the bathrooms during shower and bathing.
- If bathroom carpet is there then remove the carpet so that it can’t get wet.
- Clean sinks and tubs on frequent intervals. Fungi easily grow on soap or tiles.
- If there is any leak then tries to quickly repair it.
Reduce Mold in the Kitchen
- Garbage bins should be cleaned regularly.
- Refrigerator door should be cleaned.
- Plumbing leaks should be cleaned quickly.
- An exhaust fan should be used while cooking or washing dishes to reduce mold in the kitchen.
Reduce mold in the Bedrooms
- To the fungus invasion Polyurethane and rubber foams seem especially prone to fungus invasion. Plastic covers should be used on bedding which are made from these foams.
- Recycle old books, newspapers, clothing or throw it in the dustbin,
- Windows should be examined at frequent intervals to inspect droplets or mist.
- Ventilation should be proper to circulate air flow in the bedroom.
Reduce mold in the Basement
- Plumbing leaks should be repaired quickly to reduce mold formation.
- Drainage system should be away from the house. Debris and decayed organic matter should be away from home and should not be mixed with rain gutters.
House should be cleaned from spores
- An electric dehumidifier should be used to eliminate moisture and to maintain humidity in the house below 45 percent. Dehumidifier to be drained on a regular basis and condensation coils should be cleaned on frequent intervals.
- Air flow in your home should be increased. Doors should be opened between rooms; furniture should be moved if attached with the walls. If furniture has the moisture fans can be used to dry it.
- Roof leaks and roof gutters can be repaired to reduce mold allergy. Gutters can be cleaned to remove debris. When gutters get filled completely or damaged can cause leaking.
Treatments for Mold Allergy
Treatment of mold allergy is discussed below
- Contact with mold should be avoided.
- Medications should be taken to treat for nasal and allergic symptoms.
- Antihistamines should be taken with the prescription of a doctor.
Conclusion
Mold allergy is a type of fungal infection which can cause nausea, vomiting, fever etc. tend to uneasiness or discomfort in the physiological system. Consultation with doctors and skin tests help in diagnosing mold allergy. Dear readers, if you also know the other aspects of mold allergy symptoms can share with us. You can also share your suggestion, feedback so that we can improve our article.