If you did an allergy test and the results came back with a mold allergy, it means that your body is sensitive to mold exposure. Mold and mildew are a type of fungi that grows and reproduce in damp areas. They produce spores, that when mixed in the air and inhaled, causes an allergic reaction. Some spores are released in dry and windy weathers. Others are released when humidity is high, mixed in fog or dew.

There are many types of molds but not all causes an allergic reaction. Molds grow on fallen leaves, rotten logs, grasses, grains, and compost piles. Indoor molds are found in the kitchen, bathroom, or basement.

Detection

Allergens cause symptoms like itching and swelling in the nasal cavity and other parts of the body. People’s reactions to allergens differ from each other but common symptoms are itchy nose, lips, and eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion. If you experience these symptoms, do allergy tests to detect possible allergies. To ensure safety of your family, try testing your house for possible mold spores. There are home allergen test kits available for an easy way to detect allergens in your environment.

Allergy Test Kit

Treatment

There are many ways to treat mold allergy depending on the severity of its symptoms. One can take medicines and nasal decongestions to relieve symptoms. But you do not want to rely on these, instead, try preventive measures. The best way is to avoid the allergen. Here are some tips on how to avoid mold allergy symptoms:

• Try to stay indoors when mold counts are high. To keep informed about mold and pollen counts, sign up for NAB’s email notification.
• Avoid raking leaves and uncut fields.
• Shower when you get home. This eliminates spores that are stuck in your hair from the outside.
• Fix leaking faucets and pipes to eliminate mold growth and production.
• Use a dehumidifier to make your house damp-free.
• Throw away or recycle old newspapers and books. Molds also build up in these places.

The key to having an allergen free home is to clean your house. You can do allergen testing every once in a while to ensure that your home is free from allergen build up. This will reduce symptoms and also prevent your body from developing other allergies.

Source:

http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?cont=58&id=8&sub=16

http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/mold-allergy.aspx

Posted under Allergy
Tags: allergens, Allergy, common allergens, mold, Mold Allergy.