Mold Allergies: The Signs and Symptoms

Suffering from mold allergies can either be a mild nuisance to some or become completely debilitating and have a huge effect on your quality of life. Mold is much more widespread than most might imagine, and you could be suffering from mold allergies without even knowing it. In this article we’re going to address some of the signs and symptoms of mold allergies, how you can tell if you’re suffering from it and what can be done if that’s the case.

What are the Symptoms of Mold Allergy?

The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to other kinds of upper respiratory allergies. Some of the symptoms of mold allergy might include excessive sneezing, post nasal dripping, stuffy or runny nose, scaly, dry skin, watery and itchy eyes, and an itchy nose and throat.
Note that the symptoms might vary greatly from person to person. Some people might have more extreme symptoms while symptoms might be more subtle in others. The symptoms might also differ depending on the time of the year and weather conditions. For instance, you might experience more symptoms when the weather is more humid or when weather conditions are facilitating the formation of mold in and outside the house.

If you have another condition like asthma, then you might also experience more symptoms as well. Exposure to spores might trigger asthma attacks in some peoples. You might also experience symptoms like chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

What are the Causes of Mold Allergies?

Like any allergic response, mold allergies are triggered by an excessive immune system response. When you inhale mold spores, your immune system will automatically identify them as foreign intruders and will start developing antibodies to neutralize them. That’s when you start feeling the symptoms.

After exposure, your body will automatically start producing these same antibodies once spores enter your system again, which will trigger the release of histamines. These histamines will cause your eyes to become watery and other symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing.

What Can You Do to Prevent it?

There are tons of things you can do to prevent or reduce the effects of mold allergies. For one, you could invest in a dehumidifier to reduce dampness inside the house. You could also consider investing in an HVAC system, but make sure that it is equipped with a nice HEPA filter that can trap spores and prevent your system from bringing outside spores inside the house.

If you feel like you might be suffering from mold allergy, it would be wise to see a professional to see if that’s really the case or if the symptoms are caused by something else. If you want more information about mold infestations, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best allergist in New York City.