Mold Allergy Symptoms And Signs

Symptoms of Mold Allergies

Mold allergies may cause complications if left untreated.

These complications include:

• Asthma attacks. Some people with mold allergies may experience asthma attacks when exposed to spores. Asthma attacks occur when the body overreacts to an allergen in the air by constricting airways in your lungs. This makes it harder to breathe and can lead to wheezing or coughing fits. If you have asthma and a mold allergy, you're more likely to have an attack than someone who doesn't have either condition.
• Skin rashes and infections. When you come into contact with mold spores that get into your eyes or skin, it can cause irritation that leads to rashes on your face or other areas of your body where you were exposed to the spores (such as near your nose) if you touch something that has mold on it and then touches your eyes or mouth without washing your hands.

Complications of Mold Allergies

Mold exposure can be dangerous for anyone who is allergic to it. Some people develop asthma-like symptoms after exposure to molds or after spending time in environments with a lot of mold growth, like humid basements or attics. These people might need daily medications to control their asthma symptoms. A few types of molds are known as "toxic molds" because they can cause serious health problems when they grow indoors and release toxins into the air that cause health issues in people who are sensitive to them.

Different Types of Mold

Molds come in many varieties, but some types are more likely to cause allergy symptoms than others.

Alternaria

Alternaria is a type of fungus that grows on plants as well as indoors and outdoors. It can cause skin irritation, redness, and respiratory symptoms such as cough and wheezing.

Aspergillus

Aspergillus is another fungus growing on decaying plant matter such as leaves or grass clippings. It is one of the most common indoor airborne allergens because it grows in places like carpets, drywall, and insulation around windows and doors. People with allergies may experience allergic rhinitis (inflammation inside the nose), asthma attacks, or sinusitis (inflammation inside the nasal passages).

Cladosporium

The most common type is Cladosporium, which is found on dead leaves or grasses. Cladosporium is often found outdoors but can also grow indoors on food stored in damp areas like bathrooms and basements.

Signs of Mold

Mold can be found just about anywhere, and it's not just in your home. Mold spores are everywhere — in the air, food, and plants. When you breathe in mold, your body reacts to the allergens with an allergic reaction that includes sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. Mold is often invisible; your first identification may be your health and exposure symptoms.

Tips For Mold Prevention

Remove water-damaged items from your home as soon as possible (before mold grows). If you see signs of water damage, such as leaks or stains on walls or ceilings, fix them immediately. Don't let them sit. If you're unsure how to fix the problem, ask a professional for advice.

Remediation As Soon As Possible

Mold is a resilient and dangerous fungus found almost anywhere, yet mold allergy symptoms are not always noticeable. When living indoors, exposure to mold spores can easily occur and cause respiratory issues. Those with asthma, sinus problems, and allergies are more vulnerable to mold exposure than others. The mold that grows indoors will typically flourish in warm, humid locations such as basements, bathrooms, attics, and crawl spaces.

Do not attempt mold removal and remediation on your own. Exposure to these hazards by non-trained professionals can further complicate the matter.