|
Mold allergies are respiratory allergies triggered by the immune  system’s overreaction when a person breathes in mold spores. Mold is a common fungus that grows on decaying organic matter or different kinds of damp. Its spores can be found in the environment, outdoors and indoors. Mold allergy symptoms are likely to vary from one person to another – they may be severe or mild. A mold allergy comes with similar symptoms as the ones involved by other upper respiratory allergies. The most common mold allergy symptoms are sneezing, nasal congestion, red eyes, skin rashes, hives, runny nose, difficulty in breathing and sinus headaches. Once you get exposed to mold spores, you may experience asthma symptoms or even a severe asthma attack that includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Usually, people who are already allergic to animal dander or pollen may also be allergic to mold. In order to avoid mold allergy attacks, you will have to avoid the contact with the mold spores. Also, you will have to reduce the humidity within your home in order to prevent mold from growing. Keep in mind that the normal level of humidity to which you can expose yourself is 40% - in order to reach this level, you should use dehumidifiers and air-conditioners to prevent mildew and mold from developing and spreading. Also, when you are planting plants, cutting grass or digging around plants, you should make sure that you are wearing a dust mask in order to protect yourself from mold spores. Also, you must take the necessary medications in order to prevent future mold allergy attacks – decongestants and antihistamines are available over the counter and you will need no prescription in order to have them. If you notice that your prescribed medicines aren’t sufficient, you may go for allergy shots. Like any other type of allergy, mold allergy is not curable. But it’s in your power to reduce the symptoms. Start by following the next steps: - You should try and stay indoors during all the periods when mold level/count is too high. By doing this, you will be able to reduce the amount of mold you may inhale.
- Also, you should keep in mind that the amount of mold spores born by air may change rather quickly and this will mainly depend on the weather. So, you should use air cleaners in order to eliminate the mold spores that may trigger your mold allergy attacks.
- For instance, common molds are more likely to build up right inside your house especially in basements, bathrooms and laundry areas. You may reduce dampness by opening a window in your bathroom or placing an exhaust fan. Also, you should repair plumbing leaks and have your tubs and sinks cleaned at least on a monthly basis. If you have damp carpeting in your bathroom, kitchen or basement, you should remove it because they may play the role of the perfect host to mold spores.
- Water draining coming from your roof must be channeled away from your house’s foundation in order to eliminate the possible mold growth process. Repair any possible leaks in order to prevent mold from growing within the house’s structure where it could become harder to find and event get rid of later.
Photo - Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/40073620@N03/4100987863/
|