How Do You Treat Mold Allergies

How Do You Treat Mold Allergies

One way to deal with a mold allergy is by limiting your outdoor activities during any month when the mold count is high.

It is also a good idea to wear a dust mask whenever you do plan on going outside to perform yard work such as weeding your garden or mowing the lawn as you may end up disturbing unknown mold sources.

To prevent mold allergies indoors, be sure to use central air conditioning with a HEPA filter. Free-standing air cleaners and purifiers do not treat a large enough area to be considered effective. Be sure to clean humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioners as they can often become sources of mold.

Be sure to regulate the humidity and dampness within your house, particularly in areas where mold thrives such as the bathroom, basement and laundry room. It is always a good idea to be mindful of what you are storing in your basement or your cellar. If you are storing these items in your basement or cellar you should make sure that they are secured in airtight containers or vacuum sealed bags. You should also clean or replace items like shower curtains and bath mats as mold has been known to grow on these items, too.

This is especially important for anyone who may be experiencing an allergic asthma reaction. In cases like this, you may be a good candidate for using an EpiPen or an emergency inhaler.

Can Toxic Mold Cause Hives And Rashes

Toxic molds produce chemicals called mycotoxins that not only cause hives and rashes, but can also bring on seizures, respiratory problems, unusual bleeding and severe fatigue. Toxic mold will only grow on wood, paper and cotton products, but a mold-infested home can become a lethal environment for those prone to allergy problems.

Mold Allergy Testing In St Louis

Mold allergy testing in St. Louis begins with a detailed medical history where Dr. Cajigal will ask you about your symptoms and when youve experienced them. A mold allergy can usually be confirmed with a skin prick test, but Dr. Cajigal may order other tests as needed if a skin prick test is inconclusive or cannot be performed.

The skin prick technique involves applying liquid droplets of a concentrated mold spore extract to the surface of the forearm or upper back. Positive controls and negative controls are also applied to compare how the mold extract reacts. Your allergist will then make a tiny prick through each drop on the surface of your skin. If you are allergic to mold, a raised and red bump, called a wheal, will appear within 15 to 20 minutes of the skin prick. The diameter of the wheal is compared to the positive and negative controls to determine if youre allergic.

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Mold And Mildew Exposure Reduction

Mold allergy sufferers should try this method first. Avoid cutting the grass, digging in the yard, or picking up fallen leaves if you have a mold allergy. Make sure you utilize a dust mask if you must engage in any of these tasks. You should delegate the cleaning and restoration tasks to experts. They can identify the possible locations where mold and mildews can thrive. You need to know that some jobs are best handled by professionals.

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Other Conditions Caused By Allergy To Mold

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic condition that causes symptoms such as a cough, tight chest, chills, body aches, tiredness and weight loss. It tends to affect people exposed to high levels of mold at work. Farmers lung is a type of HP linked to breathing in spores from moldy hay or straw. Fungi dispersed by humidifiers, central heating or air-conditioners, and even the sauna, can cause it too.

Less common is a condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis . This inflammatory and allergic response to mold can cause severe breathing symptoms. Allergic fungal sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.

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What Are The Signs Youre Allergic To Mold

So, you want to figure out if you have a mold allergy. Unfortunately, its not always crystal clear, since mold allergy symptoms mirror the signs of many types of allergic reactions. Typical

• stuffy or runny nose

Sounds just like seasonal allergies, doesnt it? So, if its not the symptoms that clue you in, how can you tell if youre dealing with a mold allergyor something else?

Does Vinegar Kill Mold

Vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it can be a cheap and effective treatment for many types of mold. Research has found that vinegar is effective at preventing mold growth on fruit and at removing some common household molds , but it isnt effective at killing every type of mold.

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Symptoms Of Mold Allergies

While tree, grass, and weed pollen seasons coincide with the season in which these plants are blooming, mold spores can exist all year round both outside and inside. Mold spores can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms. Those who are allergic to mold, experience typical respiratory allergy symptoms including:

• Nasal congestion

Fall is a common time for mold growth outside due to the damp and cold weather. Those who are allergic to mold spores should minimize their exposure and work to control mold where they live.

Mold Allergy Symptoms & Diagnosis

Many people allergic to mold develop symptoms outdoors on days when mold spores are in the air. You may also have symptoms indoors if mold is in your home, school or workplace.

Symptoms of mold allergy include:

• Itchy nose, mouth and lips
• Nasal congestion

Mold can also trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness. Symptoms of mold allergy often mimic symptoms of other conditions. An allergist / immunologist can diagnose whether mold is responsible for your symptoms. Skin prick tests give accurate results in just a few minutes. Your allergist may order other tests, if needed.

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How Long Do Symptoms Of Mold Allergy Last

That can depend on whether your symptoms are caused by indoor or outdoor molds. Most outdoor species tend to cause mold allergy symptoms in summer to early fall before going into hibernation when it gets cold.

But the world is warming and that seems to be lengthening the period that outdoor mold spores are in the air. Studies also suggest the quantity of spores released increases when carbon dioxide levels are higher. These basic facts about climate change could extend the outdoor mold allergy season and make mold allergies more likely.

Its a bit different for people allergic to indoor molds. Fungi depend on humidity to grow so they love your kitchen, bathroom and basement. And they can give you symptoms year round.

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How Can You Remove Mold

Mold is often difficult to remove in the home. It can even lurk inside walls. Its best if someone other than the person with the mold allergy works to remove the mold.

First, identify the source of the moisture that is allowing the mole to grow and fix the source if you can. Remove any carpet or drywall that has had mold growing on it. If the mold is extensive, you may need to hire a mold remediation contractor.

If materials cannot be removed, you can remove visible mold and mildew with a household bleach solution or non-toxic mix of 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons white vinegar and 1 quart water.

Following cleaning, a dehumidifier is often useful in not allowing mold to regrow.

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When To See A Doctor

Its a good idea to see a doctor if youre not sure if your rash is caused by mold or something else. The doctor can order an allergy test that can either confirm your allergy or help you find the cause of your rash.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the following situations warrant a visit to a dermatologist or primary care doctor:

• the rash covers your entire body
• you have a fever

How Can I Prevent Mold Allergy

While you cant prevent mold allergy from happening, you can take steps to prevent and remove mold.

To keep mold out of your house, you need to control moisture. Take steps to keep the humidity in your house low. Make sure your house is properly ventilated. Repair any water leaks immediately.

If you have mold, you need to clean it up. You can use the appropriate household cleaners or a bleach and water solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. If you do your own mold cleaning, its best to wear protective clothing, including gloves and a respirator.

Some mold problems require professional help. These include situations that involve water dirtied by sewage or other contaminants. If you have severe reactions to mold, you shouldnt do your own cleaning. Its best to have someone else do the cleaning in this case.

You should throw away any carpets, rugs or other textiles that got wet and werent dried right away. Other absorbent items, such as ceiling tiles, also cant be completely cleaned of mold.

Mold isnt just an indoor problem. Outdoor mold can also present problems. If mold counts are high, it might be best to stay indoors. Try to keep your yard free of piles of damp and decaying leaves or wood. Check your local mold counts to determine if air quality is safe.

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What Is Stachybotrys Mold

Stachybotrys, one of the most common and recognizable types of mold found in indoor environments, is a greenish-black mold that is often referred to as black mold or toxic mold due to its appearance and ability to cause severe illness in people who come into contact with it .

With its two most infamous species, S. chartarum and S. chlorohalonataone, is one of the most recognizable types of mold found in indoor environments.

Stachybotrys typically grow on materials with high cellulose and low nitrogen content, such as fiberboard, gypsum board, drywall, paper, dust, and lint. The primary cause of black mold is moisture flooding, high humidity, leaks, condensation, or some other form of moisture intrusion.

Stachybotrys fungi can produce mycotoxins, which have been known to be hazardous to human health, especially in cases of long-term exposure. It is known as the toxic mold due to its association with pulmonary hemosiderosis , which occurred in infants living in certain undeveloped urban areas of the U.S. However, more recent reports advise that the possible association between the acute pulmonary hemorrhage in infants and exposure to Stachybotrys chartarum molds has yet to be definitively proven .

Stachybotrys

Diagnosis And Mold Allergy Treatment

Medical professionals do not know exactly how many people have a mold allergy, but the results of recentresearch suggest that 3 to 10 percent of the general population is sensitive to mold.

Doctors can diagnose mold allergies by recording a complete medical history, performing an examination, and ordering skin tests or allergen-specific IgE blood tests. During those tests, medical professionals scratch or prick the skin with extracts of different types of fungi reactions to the skin testing indicate a mold allergy.

Mold plates are essential for testing indoor air or specific items for the presence of the fungus. Mold spores land on the specially designed Petri dishes the growth of mold on the plates can help confirm the diagnosis of mold allergies.

The best way to reduce the symptoms of mold allergies is to remove the fungus. Mold remediation products can make mold removal safe, easy, and effective. These products contain strong chemicals that kill the mold. Environmental remediation products include shampoos, laundry detergent, candles, sprays, and pet shampoo. Other equipment, such as an exhaust fan and a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels inside the home or building, can help decrease mold levels.

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How Can I Check For Mold

Its best to hire a professional to help you identify and remove mold, especially if youre allergic or vulnerable to it.

You should also consider hiring help if the mold covers more than 10 square feet or if its hidden behind wallpaper, ceiling tiles, or other areas.

Here are some steps for identifying and removing mold.

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Other Issues Brought On By Mold And Mildew

Allergens, mold and mildew can present various other wellness dangers to at-risk individuals. For example, mold can trigger infections of the skin or mucous membranes. Normally, however, mold and mildew dont create systemic infections except for individuals with impaired body immune systems, such as those who have HIV/AIDS or who are taking immunosuppressant medication.

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When Is Mold Allergy Season

Mold allergy season isnt simple to pin down, as different molds are active at different times of the year.

Most outdoor molds are inactive during the winter, and are more active during the spring and fall as they thrive in moist environments and commonly grow on plants that the winter cold kills2.

Indoor molds, meanwhile, can develop at any time of year in damp bathrooms, kitchens or basements2.

In other words, there is no mold allergy season as such. Instead, understanding which mold you may be allergic to and learning when and where it is most common, is usually the best course of action.

Reduce Mold To Breathe Better

Because mold needs moisture to grow, itâs often found in piles of leaves, in grasses, and on logs. Inside, it can grow wherever theres moisture and poor ventilation. Heres how to protect yourself, indoors and out:

Use a dehumidifier. Lowering the humidity inside your home to under 45 percent or even under 35 percent will help you fight mold growth, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. If you live in a larger house, consider placing the dehumidifier in your basement, which is a cooler, moister area in the home where mold grows easily. Cohn recommends setting one up so that it drains automatically without your having to empty the reservoir, which is easy to forget to do, and can actually create more mold growth. To do so, attach a hose to the unit and allow it to empty into a water-collecting sump pump drain.

Focus on air flow. Use a clean exhaust fan in your bathroom when you shower and in your kitchen when you cook or wash dishes. Keep the inner doors of your house open to help air flow and to stem mold growth.

Fix leaks. Anywhere thereâs leaking water, mold may be present. Check for leaks in your basement, bathtubs, and laundry room, by all faucets, and on your roof.

Position drains away from the house. Moving rainwater away from your house will help keep the structure dry and mold-free.

Whether youre in your home or outdoors, taking these steps can help to dramatically reduce your exposure to mold and prevent allergic reactions.

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Identifying Mold In Your Home

• Appearance or dark spots or clusters. Look for spots or clustered growths, especially in warm, moist rooms.
• Musty smell. You may be able to identify mold by a musty smell.
• Allergies or asthma. If you experience asthma attacks or allergy symptoms in your home, that may also indicate theres mold.
• Potential causes. Look for causes of mold growth, like a leak, water damage, lack of ventilation, or old food, papers, or wood.

How Are Mold Allergies And Exposure Diagnosed

There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold.

But your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests:

• Blood test. Your doctor takes a blood sample and then sends it to a laboratory to measure the number of certain antibodies, which can indicate your immune systems sensitivity to different mold species.
• Skin prick test. Your doctor takes a small amount of mold and applies it to your skin using a tiny needle. Your skin will break out in bumps, a rash, or hives if youre allergic to that type of mold.

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How To Help Reduce Mold

You can lessen your allergies with medication, cleaning up moldX mold Parasitic, microscopic fungi that float in the air like pollen. Mold spores are a common trigger for allergies and can be found in damp areas, such as the basement or bathroom, as well as outdoors in grass, leaf piles, hay, mulch or under mushrooms. and preventing it at the source.

Take allergyX allergy An exaggerated response of the immune system to a substance that is ordinarily harmless. medication.

• Keep medicine on hand. AntihistamineX Antihistamine Medication that relieves symptoms of sneezing, itching and runny nose by blocking histamine receptors. products like Claritin® and antihistamineX antihistamine Medication that relieves symptoms of sneezing, itching and runny nose by blocking histamine receptors. plus decongestantX decongestant Medication that shrinks swollen nasal tissues to relieve symptoms of nasal swelling, congestion and mucus secretion. products like Claritin-D® can be used for both, indoor and outdoor, allergies. Claritin® provides relief of symptoms triggered by over 200 indoor and outdoor allergens like those from pollenX pollen A fine, powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of a flower called stamens or from the male cone of a tree., animals, mold and dust. Claritin is an antihistamine, so it hinders the cascade triggered by allergens

Maintain low moisture.

Keep your space clean and decluttered.

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