Mould may be found outside and inside. It spreads through the air by releasing microscopic, light-weight spores that can trigger your symptoms of mould allergy. It thrives in damp, gloomy environments like basements, trash cans, and heaps of decaying leaves.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. K on 25th Feb 2022.
Symptoms Of Mould Allergies And How To Prevent It
There are typically visible indications on food, such as fuzzy green patches on bread. As it develops, the mould’s roots may burrow deep within the food, where they can’t be seen.
Every day, we are all exposed to mould, and most of the time, there are no issues. We may inhale spores from the air or consume foods that develop mould.
If you have allergies to it, though, you may have a response if you are exposed to too much of it.
What Are the Symptoms?
The following are some of the warning signals of the symptoms of mould allergy, like with many other allergies:
- Nose congestion or runny nose
- Eyes that are itchy and watery
- Hives or a rash
Seeing an allergist is the only way to know whether you have a mould allergy. They’ll inquire about your symptoms and what seems to be causing them. If they suspect you have a mould allergy, they will most likely conduct testing to validate their suspicions.
To Treat Symptoms of Mould Allergy
- Antihistamines, eye drops, and nasal sprays are all available over-the-counter.
- Consult your doctor about prescription medications.
- Inquire with your allergist about allergy injections.
How to Prevent Symptoms Of Mould Allergy
Allergies to outdoor mould may occur at any time of year, although they are more common in the summer and autumn. They’re particularly unpleasant when there are damp leaves in heaps. To prevent issues caused by exterior mould, follow these steps:
- When mould levels are high, stay indoors.
- Keeping damp leaves away from your house is a good idea. Gutters should be cleaned.
- Remove any standing water from your yard.
To keep symptoms of mould allergy at bay while you’re inside your house, follow these steps:
- At the entrance, remove your shoes.
- Use bleach to frequently clean areas where mould may develop, such as garbage cans, sinks, and restrooms. Remove soap scum, which may be a breeding ground for mould.
- Open a window or use an exhaust fan while showering. When cleaning dishes or running the dishwasher, do the same thing.
- Find and repair any leaks as soon as possible. To prevent the fungus from developing, dry moist areas within 48 hours.
- Use a dehumidifier to maintain the humidity in your home below 50%.
- Check whether your clothes dryers and stoves are venting to the outdoors.
- Make use of a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.
- Have your HVAC ducts cleaned by a professional.
- Don’t let fungus flourish. Carpets and storage items should be removed from wet basements and bathrooms.
- Water should not be let inside your house. Check for leaks in your roof and make sure the earth slopes away from your foundation.
- Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles if you need to clean up mould in your home. You may need to employ a professional or entirely replace mouldy ceiling tiles or carpet.
By carefully selecting what you eat, you may reduce your chance of a response to food-borne mould.
Before consuming anything, make sure it doesn’t have any mould.
Inhaling mould spores may trigger an allergic response, so don’t sniff foods to check if they’ve gone wrong.
Avoid foods like mushrooms and yeast that are more likely to contain mould or other fungi. Among the most common offenders are:
- Vinegar and vinegar-based dishes including salad dressing, ketchup, and pickles
- Buttermilk, sour cream, and sour milk
- Meat or seafood
- Yeast-based bread and other foods
- Jams and jellies in jars
- Meats and fish that have been pickled or smoked
- Dates, prunes, figs, and raisins are examples of dried fruits.
- Soy sauce is an Asian condiment.
- Sausage and hot dogs
- Juices from cans
- Expired leftovers (those that have been in the fridge for longer than 3 or 4 days)
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: “Mold Allergy," “Tips to Control Indoor Allergens," “Managing Indoor Allergy Culprits."
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Mold Allergy."
- Derek K. Johnson, MD, allergist, Fairfax, VA; medical adviser, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: “Mold Allergy."
- American Lung Association: “Make Valentine’s Day an Asthma-Friendly Day."
- CDC: “Facts about Mold and Dampness."
- EPA: “Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips," “Mold Clean Up," “What to Wear When Cleaning Moldy Areas," “Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings: Appendix B — Introduction to Molds," “A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home: Moisture and Mold Prevention and Control Tips," “Mold Cleanup Guidelines," “Mold Resources."
- Paivi Salo, PhD, epidemiologist, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.