Do you also suffer from colds , stuffy noses, and sneezing all year round? Sometimes we think it's just dust or some other allergy. But have you ever thought that the cause of this could be the 'mold' that grows inside our homes, especially in damp places? Yes, this mold is also a major cause of allergies in our bodies. Let's talk about this today.
What is mold? Why do we get allergic to it?
Simply put, mold is a type of fungus. Like mushrooms, it is a member of the fungus family. Molds play a big role in nature. That is, they decompose things like dead trees and leaves and add them to the soil. But these types of molds do not spread by seeds like plants do. They spread by releasing tiny, invisible spores into the air.
These spores are what cause allergies. When we breathe, they enter our bodies through our noses. Not everyone's body reacts to them. But some people's immune systems recognize these spores as an enemy and start fighting against them. As a result of that fight, we develop symptoms like a runny nose, stuffy nose, and itching . But remember, not all types of mold in the world cause allergies. Only a few specific types of mold do.
What are the symptoms of mold allergy?
The symptoms of a mold allergy are very similar to other nasal allergies. See if you have these symptoms too.
- Frequent sneezing.
- Runny nose or stuffy nose.
- Itchy, red, and watery eyes.
- Itchy nose, palate, or throat.
- Coughing and chest tightness (especially in people with asthma).
- Some people may also experience skin irritation or itching.
If these symptoms are left untreated for a long time, they can lead to further complications, such as sinus infections. So don't just assume that these are just a common cold.
How to control mold growth in the house?
The best and most important thing to do to control mold allergies is to prevent mold from growing. The best environment for mold to grow is moisture and low light. This means that if we control the humidity in our home, we can significantly reduce mold growth.
You should be especially careful in areas where moisture accumulates, such as the bathroom, kitchen , and basement. Let's see how to do this.
| Place / Occasion | What to do |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | Be sure to open the window or turn on the exhaust fan when showering. Always clean bathroom tiles and shower curtains with soap and water. |
| Kitchen | Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan when cooking or running the dishwasher. Always keep the sink and surrounding areas clean and dry. |
| Common areas at home | Repair any leaks or roof leaks immediately. Drying a wet area within 48 hours can help prevent mold growth. If the humidity inside your home is high, use a dehumidifier. If you have carpets, consider removing them as they can trap moisture. |
| Outside the house | Clean your gutters regularly. If they become clogged, water can seep down the walls and cause moisture to build up inside your home. Make sure there are no puddles of water around your home. |
How do you get rid of mold in your house?
If you see mold growing somewhere in your home, you should remove it as soon as possible, as it can not only cause allergies, but also damage the surfaces it is on.
Keep these things in mind before cleaning:
- Safety first: Always wear gloves and goggles before handling mold. If possible, wear a good face mask. Never handle mold with bare hands.
- If your allergies are severe: If your allergies are severe, don't try to clean this yourself. Have someone else do it.
- Large area: If the mold area is larger than 10 square feet (usually the size of a large poster), it is safest to have a contractor clean it.
Cleaning method:
Clean hard surfaces like tiles with soap and hot water. Then let the area dry completely. Some foreign health agencies recommend using a bleach solution to clean washable surfaces.
But remember, mold may not be completely removed from porous items like carpets, ceiling tiles, and mattresses. In such cases, it's best to remove those items.
Most importantly: Never paint or plaster over mold. The mold should be completely removed first, and only then can you do anything else.
How do you stop mold from coming inside the house?
Mold spores often enter our bodies from the outdoors. They can enter our homes through windows and doors, as well as on our shoes and clothes.
- During rainy and humid weather, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. Instead, if you use an air conditioner (AC), check if it has a HEPA filter . This filter can capture small particles.
- Before entering the house, take off your shoes and leave them by the door.
- After going outside, wash your body and change your clothes.
- Dust and vacuum your home regularly. It's best to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter .
What should you do if your allergies don't subside even after doing these things?
If you've done all of these things to avoid mold, but your symptoms still persist, you may need other treatments. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and decongestants can provide temporary relief.
However, the most important and correct thing to do is to consult your family doctor or another doctor. Then the doctor will examine your condition exactly and prescribe the most suitable treatment for you. You may also need other medications or special tests for allergies.
Take-Home Message
- Mold allergy is a condition that can persist year-round, because mold can be found anywhere, both indoors and outdoors.
- Controlling the humidity in your home is the best and most important way to prevent mold growth.
- Always follow safety precautions such as wearing gloves and a mask when cleaning mold at home.
- If symptoms persist despite doing all of these things, be sure to seek medical advice without self-medicating.
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