Do you also have itchy eyes all the time? Does your nose feel stuffy? Or do you just have a cough, sometimes like a runny nose? Although we often think that the cause of this is dust and pollen, there is another hidden enemy behind this problem. That is "Mold". Yes, you are right, that is the mold that grows black and green in the damp places of our homes, on old walls. Allergies caused by this mold are much more common than we think.
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What exactly is mold allergy?
Simply put, an allergy is an overreaction of our immune system to something that is actually harmless. What happens here is that when the tiny spores released into the air by mold enter our body, our immune system thinks it is a big enemy and starts a fight.
It is as a result of this battle that we experience these symptoms:
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes
- Nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing
- Cough and itchy throat
- Wheezing
- Dry, itchy, or flaky skin
Mold allergies can be very dangerous, especially for someone with asthma, because these mold spores can cause a severe asthma attack.
In a hot, humid country like Sri Lanka, mold is a year-round problem. To treat it, a doctor may prescribe medications like antihistamines, decongestants, or steroid nasal sprays . In some severe cases, allergy shots are even used. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before starting any of these treatments.
The best treatment is protection from mold!
It's a thousand times better than taking medication to reduce the mold that causes this problem in our environment. That means we need to be aware of the places where mold is most likely to grow.
Think about it, mold grows easily in warm, humid places like compost piles, places with decaying leaves, places that are a bit like forests, second-hand shops, flower shops, farms, and places with saunas.
But, more important than all of this is making our home a mold-free zone, because that's where we spend most of our time.
What do you think about moldy food?
A question that some people ask is, "Does eating moldy cheese increase allergies?" Actually, for most people, it's not a big problem. However, for some sensitive people, these types of foods can cause allergic symptoms. So it's good to be a little careful about that too.
6 practical things you can do to control mold
Following these simple steps will go a long way in controlling mold in your home.
| Strategy | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Watch out for water leaks. | Check the pipes in the ceiling, under the sink, in the bathroom, around the windows, and inside the cupboards. If you see a water leak, fix it immediately. Sometimes pipes can leak inside the walls, so if there is unexplained dampness, look for it. Even if you can't see the mold, mold can grow where there is moisture. |
| 2. Clean with bleach | Most types of mold in your home can be removed by wiping down with a diluted bleach solution (about one cup of bleach per gallon of water). Most important: Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when doing this. If the mold is very widespread, seek professional help. |
| 3. Stop using the humidifier | If you have a mold allergy, your goal should be to reduce the humidity in your home, not increase it. So avoid using a humidifier. If possible, get a hygrometer and measure the humidity in your home. If it's above 50%, reduce the humidity by using an exhaust fan in the bathroom or kitchen, or by using a dehumidifier. |
| 4. Wear a mask when cleaning | Mold spores are released into the air when you sweep the yard or vacuum the house. To protect yourself during this time, wear a mask with a good filter, such as an "N95" filter. If possible, do not remove the mask for at least two hours after cleaning. This is because it takes time for airborne spores to settle to the ground. |
| 5. Remove the carpet and reduce the clutter. | Like wood, paper, and walls, carpets are also a good medium for mold to grow. Reducing unnecessary items in the home is also a big help. It is especially good to remove carpets from the basement, bathrooms, and bedrooms where you spend the most time. |
| 6. Take care of the AC too | Install a good quality filter in your air conditioner (Air Conditioner - AC). Change the filter at least once every three months. Also, have the AC serviced on time. If possible, it is also very useful to have a HEPA air filter in the bedroom and in the rooms where you spend most of your time. |
💡 Take-Home Message
- A mold allergy is an immune system response that causes symptoms like itchy eyes, stuffy nose, and coughing.
- The best treatment for this is to prevent mold from forming, rather than medication.
- Controlling the humidity in your home is the most important thing. Fix any water leaks quickly and keep the humidity below 50%.
- Always wear protective gloves and goggles when cleaning mold.
- It is a good idea to remove carpets, especially those in areas where moisture accumulates.
- If your symptoms do not improve after doing these things, or if they are severe, do not waste time and definitely see your doctor.
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