How to Recognize a Mold Allergy
How to Recognize a Mold Allergy
Mold is a common substance in our environment; in fact, it is more numerous than pollen particles are in the air. This is why it is not uncommon to suffer from a mold allergy, and why a mold allergy can be such a difficult condition to deal with. Sometimes folks with mold allergies can suffer with symptoms from the spring thaw to the first freezing frost of autumn. This is a long season for allergy sufferers, and why many seek treatment for their annoying symptoms.
Symptoms of a Mold Allergy
The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to those of other allergies. They include sneezing and runny nose, a chronic cough, itchy or watery eyes, sinus headaches and a skin rash or irritation. In more severe cases, the respiratory system can be involved, making it difficult for some allergy sufferers to breathe freely. If you suspect that your seasonal allergy symptoms are due to a mold allergy, your doctor can run some tests to get a precise diagnosis. Once you have been definitively diagnosed with a mold allergy, you can begin to explore the treatment options that are available to you.
Treatment Options
When it comes to effectively treating a mold allergy, the options generally revolve around dealing with the symptoms or preventing the triggers. Much of the time, the symptoms can be successfully controlled with over the counter medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines and nasal sprays. For symptoms that are more severe, your doctor may prescribe a remedy, including an inhaler if the mold allergy is affecting your respiratory system. Another possible treatment for allergies is immunotherapy, which consists of a series of shots that can virtually eliminate some allergy problems. However, immunotherapy is not the most effective treatment for mold allergies in most cases.
Prevention Strategies
If you find that you do have a mold allergy, you can reduce your symptoms by doing what you can to eliminate the triggers. This includes keeping the humidity of the house below 50%. If the area that you live in makes this impossible, you might want to consider installing a dehumidifier in your home. It is also important to clean your tubs and shower stalls frequently with a bleach solution, and make sure that all of your bathrooms are well ventilated with a fan.
A mold allergy can keep you feeling less than 100% for a large portion of your spring and summer months. If you think that you are suffering from a mold allergy, it is wise to visit your doctor to get a definite diagnosis and find the best treatment options for you.