Mold Allergy Causes and Treatments

A mold allergy differs from seasonal allergies because suffers experience symptoms all year-round. Common complaints are sneezing, skin irritations, rhinitis, coughing, etc. For those who suffer with a mold allergy it is important to find the source of the mold and a treatment for the symptoms.

If You Suspect Mold Allergy -Pay a Visit to Your Doctor

All of the usual mold allergy symptoms could be indications of some other illness or condition. Your regular family physician will run tests to rule out other illnesses and then will most likely refer you to an allergist or immunologist. The allergist will also run a series of tests to get an accurate assessment of what you may be allergic to that is causing your symptoms.

After the allergist has diagnosed that you are suffering from a mold allergy he will often prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms. Next he will recommend finding the source of the mold and advise that you avoid the affected area. By just slightly touching the mold spores will become airborne causing you to inhale them. Even those that may not have a mold allergy will experience some type of reaction.

What Exactly is Mold?

There are hundreds of types of mold, all are very hearty and all can survive in even the most extreme conditions. Mold can very easily reproduce through tiny airborne spores. The mold spores can be airborne indefinitely. While sailing through the air they come into contact with humans by landing on their clothing or even their pet’s fur.

Ridding Your Home of Mold

Realizing that mold can survive in extreme temperatures and pressure makes it extremely difficult to rid your home of all mold. One thing the mold spores require to survive is moisture. Keeping all areas of your home as dry as possible is highly important.

Mold prefers the damp environment of a basement, bathroom or shower. Even though your refrigerator retains a temperature of less than 39 degrees, it can also be a host to mold. Check the drip pan often and give it a good cleaning.

Another area mold likes to hid are in heating and air conditioning ducts. You may want to consider installing a high efficiency in-duct air cleaner in your air duct system which should provide protection for the entire home. A less costly option would be a portable air cleaner in the room where the sufferer sleeps.