Mold is a type of fungus that produces spores and can cause allergic reactions in some people. It can be found both indoors and outdoors and thrives in warm, moist areas. Symptoms of a mold allergy include congestion, itchy body parts, watery eyes, and a scaly rash. A doctor can diagnose a mold allergy through a medical history, physical exam, and skin tests. To avoid becoming allergic to mold, it is recommended to stay indoors when mold spores are high and keep areas well-ventilated.
Mold is a different type of fungus than plants or animals: it is a living organism that produces seeds, also called spores. Typically, mold spores are spread by wind and there are certain times of the year when they are more prevalent. Most humans inhale mold spores, but some people experience reactions to them. Reactions to mold could indicate that a person is allergic to mold. Depending on the source of the mold, people may experience symptoms temporarily or year-round.
Found both indoors and out, the mold grows on dead plants, decaying logs, and grasses. It doesn’t die in winter. Rather, it goes dormant and then returns in spring by attaching itself to dead plants.
Although outdoor mold spores are the main culprit in most mold allergies, people can also suffer from the symptoms of indoor contaminants. Mold thrives in warm, moist areas like bathtubs, sinks, and around pipes. If a home is contaminated with mold, family members can become allergic due to daily contact with mold spores.
A mold allergy will have symptoms similar to those of the common cold. Typically, a person with a mold allergy may experience one or more of these symptoms, including stuffy nose with congestion, itchy parts of the body, watery eyes, or a scaly rash that appears on the skin. The tiny mold spores can attach themselves to the inner lining of the nose and lungs, causing more serious symptoms, such as a high fever or even asthma. Mold reactions can occur suddenly, but they can also be delayed.
To diagnose a mold allergy, a doctor will typically take a medical history and give the sufferer a thorough physical exam. He or she will usually use different mushroom extracts to determine if the patient is allergic to mold. By pricking the skin with these extracts, the doctor can look for a reaction. By combining the patient’s history, physical exam, and skin tests, he will usually be able to make an accurate diagnosis.
There are ways to avoid becoming allergic to mold. A person might stay indoors when the number of mold spores in the air is high and keep bathrooms, basements, and kitchens well-ventilated. Any leaking pipes should be repaired and all gutters should be free of leaves or other debris.
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