Tips to Minimize Mold Allergies

mold allergies

The best step towards prevention is knowledge, so find out about mold allergies and what can be done to treat them.

What are Mold allergies?

Have you been sneezing non-stop? Constantly rubbing your nose or eyes? You know you’re allergic to something but you aren’t sure what?

That might be an allergy to mold. Molds are everywhere and disrupting a mold source can disperse the spores. Mold spores are like plant seeds, in that they float in the air and are able to reproduce. Mold spores are found outdoors, inside your home and even in your workplace. Breathing in mold spores is typically not bothersome unless you have an allergy to mold, and this prompts allergic symptoms.

How It Works

When your immune system is overly-sensitive to mold spores, it treats them as an allergen. Inhaled mold spores are perceived by your immune system as foreign invaders, and allergy-causing antibodies are produced to fight against them. When you are re-exposed to mold, your body produces the same reaction. This reaction triggers the release of substances including histamine, which causes allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, or itchy nose, eyes, mouth, and lips. Mold can also trigger asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness.

Despite the fact that there are numerous kinds of molds, only a few dozen typically cause allergic reactions. Molds develop on decaying logs and fallen leaves, in fertilizer heaps and on grasses and grains. In contrast to pollens, molds don’t die during winter. Most outdoor molds are inactive during the winter. In the spring, they develop on dead plants. Molds also grow in wet areas indoors. You can often find them in the restroom, kitchen, laundry area or cellar.

Ways to Reduce Mold Allergies

  • Reduce exposure from outdoor activities. If you develop allergy symptoms while outdoors, it’s helpful to shower immediately when you come back inside to wash away mold spores that get caught in your hair or get stuck on your clothes or skin to prevent them from spreading indoors. Limit outdoor activities especially when mold counts are high which are often during spring and fall.
  • Lower humidity. Try to keep the humidity level of your house below 50%. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, using a dehumidifier and air conditioner can help limit indoor mold growth. Be sure to drain the dehumidifier regularly and clean the condensation coils and collection buckets. Central air conditioning with high-efficiency particulate air filter can trap mold spores from outdoor air before they get inside your home so make sure to clean the filter attachment regularly.
  • Clean and Fix Leaks. Molds tend to grow on damp places thus making sure you address leaking and sweating pipes can prevent mold growth in the area. Dry wet floors and carpets. Regularly cleaning your gutters will prevent moist leaves from breeding additional mold.
  • Ventilation. Keeping your kitchen and bathroom well ventilated will help maintain a humidity level of less than 50% in those rooms. Be sure to turn on the exhaust fan whenever you have to cook or take a shower to keep the excess moisture out. Also increasing airflow inside your home or workplace by opening doors between rooms, moving away the furniture from walls and using fans is helpful as well.
  • Indoor Plant. Indoor plants grown in pots, like Boston ferns, may help remove moisture from the air. They help to reduce humidity and carbon monoxide levels in the air. However indoor plants may also be a source of mold since they need frequent watering.
  • CLEAN. Keeping a clean house by dusting and vacuuming may decrease mold levels and ultimately allergy symptoms. Surfaces with moisture or grease can become a breeding ground for molds. Clean your kitchen bathrooms and laundry rooms regularly. Remove carpeting in rooms and replace them with hard surface flooring that will not retain moisture.

Bottomline

If you have severe allergy symptoms or asthma-like symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor promptly to determine the best treatment for you. Medications, avoidance and allergy shots all help to reduce symptoms. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, following these tips will be helpful.

For more information about allergy treatment and prevention, contact Dr. Amy Schiffman in Boca Raton, Florida. She is board-certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology. Get in touch with her today to schedule your appointment.

Please call the office to discuss your allergy evaluation needs, and medications to avoid in preparation for testing.

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