MOLD ALLERGY

 Basic information

description

An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body's immune system to certain substances (or allergens) like mold. Mold is a fungus (fungi is plural) that can live indoors or outdoors. Mold spores (seeds) travel through the air. Spores are tiny, lightweight, and are basically everywhere. The spores are breathed in through the nose and mouth and travel to the lungs. Everyone is exposed to some mold every day with no bad effects. People with an allergy to mold can have a reaction that causes symptoms similar to hay fever or a cold. Mold allergies can affect all ages.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Sneezing, coughing, and postnasal drip.
• Runny or stuffy nose. May have wheezing.
• Watery and itchy eyes.
• Itchy nose or throat.
• Sinusitis (sinus inflammation).
• Symptoms vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe.
• Symptoms may occur year-round. They may flare up during certain times of the year, in damp weather, or in indoor or outdoor spaces that have high levels of mold.

causes

The body's immune system believes that the mold spores are harmful. It produces antibodies that release a chemical called histamine. Histamine in turn produces swelling and irritation in certain areas (e.g., nose, eyes, and sinuses). Future exposures to mold spores will then trigger that antibody response again.

risk increases with

• Personal or a family history of allergies.
• People who work in jobs involving high mold levels. These include baking, logging, dairy work, farming, etc.
• Workplace, home, or school has excess moisture, high humidity, or poor ventilation.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

There is no way to prevent having allergies. You can take measures to help prevent having the symptoms.

expected outcomes

Treatment helps control the symptoms. Mold allergy continues over a lifetime.

possible complications

• Rarely, severe lung problems may develop. People with weak immune systems or who have asthma are more at risk.
• Anaphylaxis, a severe reaction, is very rare.
• Medical research is ongoing about the existence of other mold-related illnesses, such as the one called toxic mold syndrome.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and about allergies in family members. You will be asked about possible exposures to allergens. However, a person is unlikely to know they have been exposed to mold. A physical exam of your ears, nasal passages, throat, and lungs is usually done. An allergy skin or blood test may be done to find out what allergens you are allergic to. For severe symptoms, other medical tests may be done.
• Treatment usually involves drugs to help relieve the symptoms and avoiding exposure to molds. However, molds are common and can't be avoided completely.
• Check your home for areas of mold growth, such as shower stalls, basements, and refrigerator drip trays.
• Make your home smoke-free.
• If your workplace or school is a possible source of mold, discuss the problem with the people in charge.
• If your job, such as in a bakery or greenhouse, is the problem, you may want to consider a career change.
• To learn more: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website: www.acaai.org/public or National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website: www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/allergicdiseases.

medications

• Antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, and nose sprays may be prescribed depending on the symptoms.
• A series of mold allergy shots may help in some cases, but not all.

activity

Consider staying indoors if it is windy or dusty outside.

diet

An allergic reaction is unlikely to occur from eating food fungi such as mushrooms, dried fruits, and others. No one should eat food with mold growth on it.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has mold allergy symptoms.
• Symptoms worsen or don't improve with treatment.

Special Notes: