How Can You Reduce and Prevent Mold Allergy?

Mold is a type of multicellular organism found throughout nature and in our own homes. People are said to have a mold allergy when their immune system overreacts to breathing in mold spores.

Their body identifies mold as foreign invaders and produces antibodies to combat them. The immune system response to mold exposure can make your eyes itch, cause a cough, restrict breathing, or produce other airways problems.

Ways to Reduce Mold Allergies

Even though mold allergies cannot be cured, you can reduce your allergic symptoms by avoiding contact with mold spores.

Here are some measures that can help you reduce mold allergies.

• Limit outdoor activities whenever mold counts are high to decrease the potential of inhaling mold spores.
• Wear a dust mask when you perform tasks such as gardening, cutting grass, picking up leaves, and arranging plants.
• Look for CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly filter attachment when you shop for an air conditioner unit. This will help to remove mold spores from your home.
• Lower your indoor humidity.
• Prevent mold build up in basements, bathrooms, and laundry areas by reducing dampness.

Also Read – Mold Exposure Health Risks: Can Mold Make You Sick?

Mold Allergy Symptoms

Some mold allergy symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy nose, eyes, and throat
• Cough and postnasal drip
• Dry, scaly skin
• Watery eyes

These symptoms can flare up during certain times of the year or be year-round. The symptoms tend to worsen when you are in spaces with high concentrations of mold.

Also Read – Mold & Your Health: Dangers of Black Mold Exposure

Mold Allergies: Who’s at Risk?

Asthmatic people are at higher risk for mold allergies. They can get asthma attacks if they breathe in mold spores. Infants, children, older adults, people with chronic lung diseases, and those who have compromised immune systems due to conditions like HIV, cancer, etc., are also at a higher risk of mold allergies.

Also Read – Can Black Mold Exposure Cause Headaches?

Prevention Tips to Stay Safe from Mold Allergies

The best way to stay safe from mold allergies is to take preventive measures against the formation of mold in your surroundings.

The following are some mold allergy prevention tips that can help effectively treat mold allergies.

• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to try to keep indoor humidity below 45% in the air. You can measure relative humidity with a hygrometer.
• Keep your A/C drip pans and drain lines free from obstructions.
• Keep the house warm to avoid any moisture condensation on cold surfaces that encourages mold growth.
• Insulate cold surfaces, such as exterior walls and windows, to reduce condensation.
• Dry and clean up wet areas.
• Fix leaks and seepage as soon as possible.
• Check your heating and cooling system to make sure it’s operating properly to remove humidity in your house.

If you are looking for expert mold allergy treatment, contact Center for Occupational & Environmental Medicine (COEM) to schedule an appointment or call us today at 843-572-1600.