Mold Allergies

Overview

These allergies are caused by airborne or household molds. Mold allergies affect a large number of respiratory allergy sufferers. It is however one type of allergy that is difficult to treat because of its common existence in our everyday life. When a person with mold allergies inhales mold spores, symptoms of an allergic reaction occur. For some people, mold allergies and asthma go hand in hand, and exposure to mold, along with the allergic reactions, can cause serious reactions.

Types

There are thousands of different types of mold, but not all of them cause allergic reactions in people with mold allergies. Of the molds that can cause reactions, the most common are alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium. Being allergic to one type of mold doesn't necessarily mean a person will be allergic to the rest.

Symptoms

There are various symptoms associated with mold allergies:

• Runny Nose or Stuffy Nose
• Postnasal Drip
• Coughing and Sneezing
• Itchy Nose and Throat
• Itchy and Water Eyes
• Swollen Sinuses

Some people have symptoms all year, while others suffer symptoms of mold allergies only during certain seasons when the mold count is higher than others. Both dry and damp weather conditions where high concentrations of mold exist can cause symptoms.

The most severe reactions to mold allergies are rare. Mold induced asthma can cause a person with mold allergies to have an asthma attack that could be severe enough to require an immediate medical attention.

Infections like allergic fungal sinusitis can also occur. Mold spores actually grow in the sinuses and sometimes surgery is required to remove the infection, called a fungal ball. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a lung infection that can be caused by severe reactions to mold allergies, particularly in those with asthma or cystic fibrosis.

Another rare condition that can be caused by severe reaction to mold allergies is hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which causes the lungs to become inflamed.

Causes/Risk Factors

The cause of mold allergies is the immune system's malfunction in seeing a mold spore as something dangerous that needs to be attacked. When a person with mold allergies inhales a certain type of mold spore, the body releases immunoglobulin antibodies, which in turn release histamine and other chemicals. They are designed to help you flush that mold spore from your body. This causes the allergic reaction.

People who have a family history of mold allergies are more at risk. People with mold allergies who work in damp or humid conditions are prone to these allergies. Those who live in damp/humid conditions or in homes with poor ventilation are also more at risk for symptoms than others. Also, those who work in occupations with high exposure to mold, like woodworkers and farmers, have a higher risk of getting attacked by this disease. This also includes industries such as the wine industry or dairy farms where food ferments is done.

Tests/Diagnosis

A skin prick test with a tiny spot of skin exposed to mold can show mold allergies. The other common test that can be done is the blood test.

Treatment

Mold allergies are commonly treated with antihistamines and decongestants. In some cases, nasal corticosteroids are prescribed and prescription oral medication is an effective treatment as well.