Mold allergy is caused by molds that tend to grow in damp and moist areas of our houses. Molds are fungal growth that causes allergic reactions, usually in the upper respiratory tract. It usually affects people whose immunity is compromised or weak. It has flare-ups mostly in damp and moist weather. It leads to release of specific chemicals like histamine in the allergic reactions. Its symptoms include itchy eyes, stuffy or running nose, sneezing, cough, postnasal drip, and many more. It is usually mild in nature. In some severe cases, it may cause complications like allergic sinusitis, allergic asthma, and even lung infections.
Complications Of Mold Allergy
Mold allergy has symptoms similar to hay fever. Its allergic reactions can trouble the daily routine of a person. However, the disease is usually mild in nature. In severe conditions, it can complicate the condition into the following-
Mold-Induced Asthma– molds are found in form of spores floating in the air. They sometimes trigger asthma due to prolonged exposure to mold spores. This situation may require emergency treatment.
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis– when fungal infection develops specifically in the sinuses and settles there, it leads to inflammatory reactions in the sinuses. It induces allergic fungal sinusitis.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis– mold allergy causes fibrosis in the lungs. This may induce allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. It is also common in people with asthma.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis– it is a rare complication of mold allergy. It is triggered when airborne spores cause the inflammation of the lungs. Occupational dust can also cause allergy and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Mold can also affect the skin and mucous membrane. It affects susceptible people whose immunity is weak. Patients of HIV or AIDS are at more risk to develop this allergy and can catch systemic fungal infections as they have an impaired immune system. Those who consume immunosuppressant medication are also more likely to catch mold allergies.
Prevention Of Mold Allergy
Mold allergies can be prevented if the exposure to the molds is completely avoided. It can be done by following ways-
- Elimination of dampness from the damp or moist areas by correcting pipe leakage, etc.
- Good ventilation of bathrooms
- Use of a dehumidifier that can control the levels of humidity in the house below 50%
- Use of a centralized air conditioner that can filter the mold spores from outdoor
- Avoidance of use of carpet in damp areas
- Regular drainage of groundwater
- Cleaning and drying of containers of organic plants
Mold is a type of fungus that lives in warm, humid, and damp places. They are in form of spores that float in the air. It can grow in damp and moist areas of the house such as the basement or bathroom even in your garden where a pile of leaves is lying. They can also be found in food items like rotten bread, mushrooms, catch ups, sour milk, pickles, fermented food, etc. They grow in units and cause airborne affections like pollen grains. These allergic reactions are commonly caused by common molds such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium.
Most of the cases of mold allergy have flare-ups in damp weather. Anyone, whose immunity is weak, can catch the mold allergy through the air or contaminated food. Sometimes accidental exposure to mold can also trigger allergic reactions.
Symptoms Of Mold Allergy
Mold allergy has following symptoms-
- Itching in the eyes
- Watery discharge from eyes
- Running nose or blocked nose
- Frequent sneezing
- Postnasal drip
- cough
Conclusion
Mold allergy is usually mild in its manifestations and can be managed by avoidance of exposure to the molds. Its allergic reactions are similar to hay fever and other types of allergies. In serious cases, it may complicate into asthma, fungal sinusitis and fungal infections in the lungs.
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