Molds are small organisms belonging to the family of fungi – singled-celled or multicellular organisms that reproduce by spores and survive by absorbing nutrients from organic matter. Molds can be found clinging in plant materials such as decaying plants and wood furniture. These plant materials contain cellulose – a type of carbohydrate used as food not only by molds but almost all fungi. Besides from food, molds also need water in order to live and reproduce. Thus, they are found in dump places like the bathroom, basement, carpets, refrigerator surfaces, conditioner units, washing machines, sheetrock, wallboards, dryer vents, etc.
Molds reproduce by producing thousands of microscopic spores – the agents for mold allergy. These spores are released in the air and cause allergy when inhaled. Some people are allergic to mold spores because their immune system recognizes the spores as foreign invaders. To protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies against the spores; in the process allergy symptoms occur.
Molds Known to Cause Allergy
There are thousand species of mold in nature that can possibly trigger allergic reactions. However, only few of these species are available for testing. Allergists have identified species of molds that most likely cause allergic reactions. These molds include Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporum, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Aureobasidium, Phoma, Smuts, Rhizopus, and Mucor. These molds can be found indoor and outdoor.
Seasonality of Mold Allergy
Indoor mold can occur throughout the year depending on the level of moisture inside the home. Generally, the higher the level of mold outdoor, the higher the level of molds indoor. It shows that the outside environment is the major source of indoor molds.
In colder climates, mold spores begin to fill the outdoor air in late winter, and peaking in the late summer to early fall months. In warmer climates, mold spores can occur in the air year round, peaking in the late summer to early fall months.
Signs and Symptoms of Mold Allergy
Different allergies have almost the same signs and symptoms. It is therefore hard to distinguish what substance or allergen is causing the signs and symptoms. Is it strawberry, sulfite, or peanut causing the symptoms? Tests are needed to confirm allergy to a particular substance.
The signs and symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy, watery & red eyes, skin rashes & hives, sinus headaches, nose & throat itching, breathing difficulty, asthma, and anaphylactic shock. Additional symptoms can occur. Severe allergic symptoms like breathing difficulty and anaphylactic shock need medical attention because they are life-threatening.
Test for Mold Allergy
The most popular test for allergies is the skin test which is used by allergists for testing mold allergy in patients. Allergists are professional people (mostly physicians) who specialize in allergies and their treatments. In skin test, small sample of mold is pricked or scratched in the surface of the skin. The appearance of allergic reactions like rush and hive is a positive result for mold allergy.
Treatments for Mold Allergy
Antihistamines and decongestants are used in treating the symptoms of mold allergy. They are available over the counter without prescription.