Lifestyle Changes For Mold Allergy

A mold allergy is caused due to an abnormal response to the mold spores. It does not affect everyone and is seen in some people. It may cause symptoms which are similar to other allergic symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, like allergic rhinitis.

Certain lifestyle changes can prevent exposure to mold allergy and may help in alleviating symptoms caused due to the mold allergy providing you with relief. When you have a mold allergy, along with a proper treatment regimen, you will be advised on certain lifestyle changes that will help you heal faster and will keep you away from possible triggers of your mild allergy. These lifestyle changes may include-

Sleeping With Closed Windows–

Closing the windows at night when sleeping will prevent outside mold from entering your home
The airborne mold spores are at the maximum during the nights, when the air is cold and damp

Wearing A Mask–

Wearing a dust mask over your mouth and nose will help in providing protection against mold spores, especially when you do tasks like raking leaves, mowing the lawn etc.

Avoid Outside Exposure–

Avoiding outside exposure at certain times, like after a rainstorm, in a damp weather, in foggy climate and when the weather department predicts the mold count to be high, may help in preventing mold allergies

Use Dehumidifiers–

If the humidity levels in your home are high, it is sure to invite mold
Be sure to keep humidity levels below 50%, so as to discourage mold growth
Invest in dehumidifiers to achieve the same

Repair Water Leaks–

Wherever water leaks occur, treat them immediately to avoid creating any damp, wet areas that may harbor the mold
Pay special attention to wall, floor or ceiling leakage or seepage, as this is the most potential source for mold growth

Cleaning The Mold–

If you see mold at a place, clean it with an antifungicidal, bleach and water to discourage mold growth immediately

Avoid Certain Foods–

Foods like bread and other fermented foods can trigger a mold allergy
Avoid such foods, and also mushrooms and other foods containing yeast
Avoid cheeses. They may cause mold allergy and may trigger symptoms like palpitations in some
Mark other foodstuffs that may be a trigger for your mold allergy and stay away from them

Treatment Of Mold Allergy

The best remedy for mold allergy is to stay away from the potential triggers whenever possible. While it is not possible to avoid mold completely in your routine life, it is possible to avoid it sometimes and take precautions so that the allergy is not triggered. There is no cure to the allergic rhinitis or other conditions caused by mold allergy however, certain medications can reduce your signs and symptoms and ease your discomfort. These medications and treatment methods include-

Corticosteroids Nasal Sprays–

These medicines help in reducing the inflammation caused by the mold allergy
This is the preferred method of treatment for many doctors and most patients benefit from this treatment

Anti-Allergic or Antihistaminic Medications–

These medications may reduce symptoms like sneezing, itching and watery eyes

Decongestants–

Decongestants may help in reducing the mucus from airways, thereby providing relief from the symptoms
However, these are to be used sparingly

Nasal Decongestants–

These are given by some doctors however, they can cause a rebound blockage if used frequently

Montelukast–

Montelukast reduces excess mucus from the airways and has been effective in treating allergic asthma and mold allergy

Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy–

This treatment involves introducing allergens in small amounts in your body, so that your body can develop immunity against them over time
This method is used only for certain types of allergies

Nasal Rinsing–

Nasal irrigation with the use of saline water, distilled water, filtered water or previously boiled and cooled water is recommended by many doctors and has proven to be effective in clearing your nasal passages of any irritants.

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Lifestyle Changes For Mold Allergy