Do you have mold growing on a wall in your house? Or is there black or green mold in damp places like the corner of the bathroom or under the kitchen sink? Sometimes, just looking at this mold makes you feel like you're constantly running a cold, sneezing, or having a stuffy nose, then this mold could be the cause. Today we're talking about this mold allergy, which many people don't know much about, but which affects many people in our country.
Simply put, what is mold allergy?
An allergy is when our body's defense system overreacts to something that normally doesn't affect others. It's like making a big fuss over something small. Mold is one of those things.
Mold is a type of fungus . It is actually found almost everywhere in our environment. But the problem we have is the mold inside our homes. This type of mold grows especially well in dark, damp places , like basements, walls, and bathrooms. If you are allergic to mold, this is not good for your health .
This is a more common condition than you might think. Studies suggest that between 3 and 10 out of every 100 people in the world may have this mold allergy. There are many types of mold, so you may only be allergic to a few types of mold.
The main types of mold that cause allergies
There are several types of mold that can cause allergies. You don't have to memorize these names, but it's good to know.
- Alternaria
- Aspergillus
- Cladosporium
- Penicillium
In addition to these, there are also dangerous types of mold, such as 'black mold', which can cause illness in people with weakened immune systems.
Do you have a mold allergy? Check out these symptoms
The symptoms of a mold allergy are very similar to those of a common cold or an allergy to dust mites. This is why some people may mistake it for a common cold.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Cough | A dry cough that comes on for no reason. |
| Itchy or watery eyes | Eyes become red and itchy, with tears coming out. |
| Itchy throat | A tickling sensation in the throat. |
| Nasal congestion | A feeling of stuffiness in the nose that makes it difficult to breathe. |
| Soto fluid leakage | A runny nose like water. |
| Sneezing | Frequent, repeated sneezing. |
| Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing) | A soft sound is heard from the chest when exhaling. |
Most importantly! If you have asthma , this mold allergy can suddenly worsen your asthma. That means you can have an asthma attack. So you need to be very careful.
Why does our body react to mold this way?
The way this happens is very simple.
Mold releases tiny spores into the air that are invisible to our eyes. These are what help mold spread.
When someone with an allergy inhales these spores, our immune system thinks a big enemy has entered our body. So, to fight it, our body produces a special type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) .
These IgE antibodies go and give a signal to the 'mast cells' in our body. Once that signal is received, those cells release a lot of chemicals like histamine . It is because of that chemical called histamine that we get all the allergy symptoms mentioned earlier, such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Who is most at risk for this condition?
Although mold doesn't have a major impact on most people, it poses a greater risk to some people.
- If someone in your family has allergies: If your mother, father, or siblings have other allergies (such as to dust, pollen), you are more likely to develop a mold allergy.
- If you have a respiratory condition like asthma: Mold can worsen the condition for people who already have asthma.
- Living environment: If you live in a house with high humidity and poor ventilation, you are more likely to develop mold. Long-term exposure to mold can also cause allergies.
How does a doctor recognize this?
When you go to see a doctor with these symptoms, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms, when they occur, and your home environment. Then, they will perform a physical exam. If they suspect that this is an allergy, they may order some tests to confirm it.
| Test | What is being done? (What is done?) |
|---|---|
| Allergy Blood Test | A small blood sample is taken from your arm and the level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against mold is measured. If this level is high, you may have a mold allergy. |
| Skin Prick Test | This involves placing a few drops of liquid made from various types of mold on the skin of your hand and then scratching it with a very fine needle. If you are allergic to that type of mold, within a few minutes the area will become red, slightly swollen, and look like a mosquito bite. |
What are the treatments for mold allergies?
Mold allergies cannot be completely cured, but you can manage the symptoms and live a normal life.
The best treatment is to avoid mold. That means staying as far away from places where mold can grow and where mold is present as possible.
In addition, your doctor will prescribe medications to help reduce your symptoms.
- Antihistamine pills: These help reduce itching and sneezing caused by histamine.
- Nasal steroids: These are very effective for nasal congestion and runny nose.
- Allergy shots / Immunotherapy: This is a long-term treatment. This involves injecting your body with very small amounts of the type of mold you are allergic to. Over time, your body becomes accustomed to it and becomes less reactive.
Any time to see a doctor
If you continue to have the symptoms we discussed earlier and think mold is the cause, definitely see a doctor . Don't self-medicate.
Extremely important: If you have asthma or are having difficulty breathing, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
When you go to see the doctor, you can ask these questions:
- What types of mold am I allergic to?
- Do I need to take medicine for this?
- Do I need to take the medicine every day or only when it's difficult?
- Are there any side effects to this medicine?
- How do you accurately distinguish between a mold allergy and a common cold?
- Should I see an allergist?
How to avoid mold? Prevention methods
Although we can't prevent allergies, we can do a lot to avoid exposure to mold.
| Action to Take | Important Details |
|---|---|
| Clean the mold immediately. | Clean as soon as you see mold. Bleaching powder Mix a teaspoon of bleach in a cup of water and wipe with a homemade solution or a store-bought cleaner. Be sure to wear gloves and a face mask (N95/KN95 mask). |
| Control humidity at home | Use a fan in the bathroom. Repair leaks in the roof, walls, and water pipes immediately. Use a dehumidifier if possible. |
| Be careful outside the house. | Don't pile up wet leaf litter or rotting logs in the garden. They will grow mold. |
| Remove wet items. | Remove items like carpets and rugs that have become wet and have not dried properly. It is also a good idea to remove items like moldy ceiling tiles. |
Sometimes, if mold has spread to a large extent in the house, you may need to seek professional help.
Take-Home Message
- Mold allergies are a very common condition. Don't ignore symptoms like frequent colds, sneezing, and itchy eyes as normal.
- The best way to do this is to avoid moldy areas and control the humidity in your home. Open the doors and windows to ensure good ventilation.
- If you have asthma, be especially careful about mold allergies. If you have difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.
- If symptoms persist, do not self-medicate and definitely see a doctor for proper advice and treatment.
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