Being allergic to mold isn’t as rare as you think. Mold is all around us. It grows on food, in your bathroom, and is even outside.
Mold is a type of fungus and really loves damp areas. That is why you can find it on older foods living in your refrigerator. Once it finds a climate it likes, it begins producing spores that fly around in the air.
The spores are what can cause an allergy, so read on to find out if you are experiencing any symptoms.
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What are the Symptoms of Mold?
Mold is a living thing and it loves to live in dark and damp places. It is most commonly found outside, and it helps to break down decaying matter like trees and animals. When they release their spores, these can then enter your home.
The symptoms of a mold allergy are a lot alike allergies to pollen or dust. Once inhaled, the spores will then make your body react and cause symptoms to arise. This means that they can also irritate people with Asthma.
Making sure you identify when you experience these symptoms will help you keep track of the culprit.
1. Sneezing
Sneezing is very common as it is a result of irritated lungs. The spores from the mold, once inhaled can cause a reaction from your immune systems.
2. Runny Nose
This can happen after inhaling spores, as well as developing congestion. These can happen either immediately after coming into contact with mold spores, or your body can have a delayed reaction.
3. Watery Eyes
If irritated by the spores, and the previous two symptoms have occurred, you may experience watery eyes as well. This is just a spread out irritation from your body’s immune system.
4. Itching
Itching may occur because of dried-out skin. This could also mean experiencing scaly patches on your skin.
5. Hay-Fever Symptoms
Mold spores can get into your nose and begin to cause hay-fever like symptoms like the congestion, that can lead to wheezing and coughing. This can seem much like the symptoms of Asthma but could be much more dangerous for someone with that condition.
Are you Allergic to Mold?
Most allergic reactions to mold are caused by specific spores such as Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. Cladosporium is usually a brown, black, or green-tinted mold and is typically found in carpets, wool, and air ducts.
Aspergillus is more of a powdery green or white looking mold and is usually found in dry and dark areas, or growing on your loaf of bread. Penicillium is a mold that is typically found in places with water damage and appears as blue, green, or yellow.
Sometimes, identifying the location of the mold can be tricky. Check the appearance for any of the colors listed and frequently check back on the spot to see if it is growing. Mold spreads easily, so keeping tabs on a suspicious spot can save you a lot of trouble.
Seek Professional Help
If you do believe that you are allergic to mold, it is very important you get this checked out with a doctor as soon as possible because the symptoms could lead to something worse. Mold levels can be elevated in warmer climates, so be wary of your reaction.
Because the symptoms are similar to those of other allergens, it is easiest to tell what caused your symptoms by getting an allergy skin test.
Be sure you do the research necessary to figure out if you really are allergic to mold. If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out more on our blog.
