Mold allergy

If your first association when you think of mold is something that lives on an unidentified object in your refrigerator, you are on the right track. But mold covers a whole lot of ground—well beyond the confines of the refrigerator—existing both indoors and outdoors. And guess what? It was here when we came and it will probably be here when we’re gone.

What is mold?
Mold is one of the oldest life forms on earth, dating back millions of years. It also is among the most varied organisms on earth, with tens of thousands of types. Together with mildew, mold belongs to the fungi family. Unlike other plants, mold does not reproduce from seeds but rather from spores. Inside, all it takes is air to spread the mold spores. Outside, they are distributed by the wind.

To give you some idea of their number, there are far more mold spores than there are grains of pollen. Unlike pollen, mold has no specific season. To grow, all it needs is warmth and high humidity. That means it can stay alive outside unless the ground is covered with snow. Fallen leaves, rotting logs, and compost heaps are prime areas for mold. Inside, a nice moist area like a bathroom, kitchen, or basement is a perfect breeding place for mold. But mold is not choosy. It also grows well on carpet; upholstery; wallpaper, cardboard and other paper products; and wood. Mold may begin its life in your home or it may enter through vents, windows, or heating and air conditioning units.

The allergy factor
People who are allergic to mold develop symptoms when they inhale the spores. The symptoms resemble those caused by other allergens, such as pollen or pet dander. They include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, and irritated skin.

When mold spores hit the lining of the nose, they prompt symptoms like those of hay fever. However, when spores reach the lower respiratory tract and enter the lungs, they may cause an asthmatic reaction or a more severe condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Individuals with long-term lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or compromised immune systems may be particularly vulnerable.

When people are closer to the source of the mold spores, symptoms generally are worse. Although sometimes the reaction is instant, in other cases it may not occur until later.

Prevention
As with other allergies, the best course of action is prevention. If mold counts outside are high, stay indoors. If you must be outdoors, wear a mask if you plan to cut grass or rake leaves. To control mold inside your house, take strong measures to reduce moisture in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Here are some steps you can take:

• Have leaks fixed promptly.
• Clean sinks and tubs once a month with diluted laundry bleach (1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water; this has been shown to reduce allergic reactions).
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, or open the bathroom window.
• Keep basement temperature on the high side to reduce humidity; a dehumidifier helps, but it also can be a source of mold, so make sure to clean it at least twice a week.
• Clean the refrigerator gasket and drip pans and all garbage cans.

Treatment
Controlling symptoms of mold allergy requires the same approach used for other kinds of allergies. Antihistamines are the cornerstone of treatment, along with decongestants if nasal stuffiness is one of the symptoms.

If these measures are not enough to quiet the symptoms, then a prescription for a corticosteroid nasal spray may be the answer. And if none of these medications seems to do the trick, then perhaps it is time to think about getting a course of allergy shots.