Dealing with Your Mold Allergy

We’ve all heard about seasonal allergies, and those times of year (usually spring and fall) where they kick up in force. Some people, however, seem to suffer from never-ending allergy symptoms and it can be frustrating and painful to deal with. For those people, the answer could be found in spores produced by mold and fungi. These plants can be found all over the world in many different climates and it doesn’t take much to cause them to release spores into the air. If you have an Atlanta mold allergy, here is some helpful information to deal with the symptoms.

Mold and Fungus

Molds are types of fungi, plants which reproduce by releasing seed spores into the air. Some thrive in hot, dry weather and others in dark, moist regions. This means that just about anywhere you are at any time, there could be mold around. Some mold is microscopic; some grows visible colonies. Some grows on logs and rotting compost, some in the house.

Those who have mold allergies tend to have a reaction to inhalation of the spores. While the “prime season” for mold is summertime, they can be present in large quantities year round. There are a couple dozen types of mold that trigger allergies. These include:

• Alternaria
• Hormodendrum
• Aspergillius
• Helmin thosporium
• Penicillium
• Epicoccum
• Fusarium
• Mucor
• Aureobasidiium
• Rhizopus

Who Is At Risk?

Those who are allergic to animal dander, dust mites or pollen tend to have an increased risk of also having an allergy to molds. It is also possible to be allergic just to mold. Those in higher exposure jobs like farmers, loggers, mill workers, carpenters, wine makers and the like tend to be at heightened risk as well.

The idea that food fungi like yeast, mushrooms, soy sauce and the like can cause symptoms of mold allergies is supported only very weakly. Those who have allergies from these kinds of foods are likely suffering from food allergies rather than mold problems.

Preventing Mold Reactions

Allergies aren’t a condition that is normally “cured,” but symptoms can be managed and mitigated. Staying indoors on days when the air quality is low or a high mold count is indicated is a first step. Use air conditioning systems and air filters in your home. Make sure that the filter you use is a HEPA filter which can help to stop spores from entering the air.

Control moisture in your home and keep the place as clean as possible to reduce the presence of dust and spores. Keep your home ventilated, using an exhaust fan in your bathroom, keeping your plumbing free from leaks, and cleaning your garbage cans out regularly.

Atlanta Mold Allergy Specialists

There is no substitute for medical treatment when you have allergies. The single best way to manage the itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and other symptoms is to visit a qualified ENT and Allergist Specialist who treats allergies,as you will find in Atlanta ENT. If you suffer from allergies in the Atlanta area, we are ready to help. Read a bit more about the illness, and give us a call to schedule an appointment today!