How Does Mold Affect Allergies
Allergies are a very common problem amongst many families all over. Most often seasonal changes can bring on symptoms of coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes etc. Environmental surroundings can also play a part, but did you know that mold can also affect allergies. Household issues like mold can contribute to a person’s symptoms and they might not even know it. Read this article to learn more about how mold affects allergies.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a term used to refer to fungi that grow in the form of multicellular thread-like structures called hyphae. There are different kinds of mold and it can grow in many different areas, but one thing that’s the same is that mold requires moisture to grow.
The sources of moisture could be washing, cooking, air humidifiers, condensation or leaks from plumbing or from the outside. Poor ventilation contributes to higher humidity levels and leads to condensation, which also allows mold growth.
A person might buy an older home, doing renovations, skimping on the home inspection, and then start having symptoms of a cold or allergies. They might not realize that they have mold in their home and it’s causing them health problems.
Mold Allergy Symptoms
Mold allergy symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory allergies:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Irritated eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Itchy throat
Because mold allergies have similar symptoms as common cold or seasonal allergies it can sometimes go unnoticed. It’s important not to ignore these signs especially if you suspect your home might have mold. If you have infants, children, and elderly living with you they can develop symptoms sooner and be more at risk. Some indoor mold can produce toxins that are absorbed through your body and have serious side effects causing harm to your health.
Controlling Mold In Your Home
If you think you might have mold in your home, it’s a good idea to contact an expert. Have them assess the area and let you know if there is in fact mold. If you feel like you’re having health related symptoms to mold be sure to contact your physician and speak to them about your situation.
Controlling the mold is very important. Depending on the kind of mold you have in your home, you might need professional care to remove it. However, there are a few things you can do to help prevent it in the future.
- Use dehumidifiers or exhaust fans — or crack open a window — to help reduce moisture and humidity in bathrooms or other rooms in your home.
- Regularly clean garbage cans and refrigerator drip pans.
- Regularly clear your gutters, and ensure that drainage flows away from your home’s foundation.
Be sure to contact a professional to learn more about what steps need to be followed for mold removal.
Have More Questions About Mold?
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