Allergies
to Mold
Most intense from mid to late
summer, allergies to mold are caused by an overreaction of the body’s
immune system to spores from fungi such as mold and mildew. This
allergy can be triggered by fungi that are found both inside and
outside the home. Common interior culprits include cheese, mushrooms,
dairy products, or any other food that has sat for too long and
grown mold, as well as mildew in showers and black mold that can
grow inside a home’s walls. Outside sources that can aggravate
allergies to mold include compost piles, rotting wood and leaves,
and almost any other spot that provides warmth, moisture, and darkness.
Symptoms of allergies to mold can be very similar to those of other
allergies and include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge / runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Scaling skin , rashes, or hives
- Watery, itchy, red eyes
Although there is no “cure” for
allergies, you can decrease the severity and frequency of your symptoms
by limiting exposure to the triggers. Some common methods of reducing
indoor mold allergens include using a dehumidifier and/or HEPA air
filter, frequently scouring sinks and tubs, and fixing any plumbing
leaks to prevent mold growth in the home. For outdoor allergies
to mold, wearing a mask when working outside and staying inside
when the mold count is high are two ways to keep your allergies
from flaring up.
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