What are the allergy symptoms caused by mold?
Allergy symptoms caused by mold are common and can significantly affect people’s quality of life. Molds are microscopic fungi that grow in moist and warm conditions. They can occur indoors, such as in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens, as well as outdoors, such as in soil and compost. Mold spores spread in the air and can cause allergic reactions when they are inhaled or come into contact with the skin.
The most common allergy symptoms caused by mold
Allergy symptoms caused by mold can vary from mild to severe and they can appear in different ways in different people. The most common symptoms are:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion: Mold allergy can cause persistent runny nose and nasal congestion, which can lead to breathing difficulties.
- Eye symptoms: Itching, redness and watery eyes are common symptoms of a mold allergy.
- Cough and sore throat: Inhaling mold spores can irritate the respiratory tract and cause cough and sore throat.
- Skin symptoms: Mold allergy can cause rash, itching and redness.
- Asthma: Mold can worsen asthma symptoms and cause asthma attacks.
Treatment of allergy symptoms caused by mold
The treatment of allergy symptoms caused by mold includes alleviating the symptoms and reducing exposure to mold. The following steps may help:
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help relieve runny nose, eye symptoms and itching.
- Nasal sprays: Corticosteroid-based nasal sprays can reduce nasal congestion and inflammation.
- Medicines for asthma: Medicines used to treat asthma, such as inhalers, can help control asthma symptoms.
- Mould removal: Preventing the growth of mold and removing it from the home is important. This may include repairing moisture damage, improving ventilation and cleaning up mold.
Prevention
Prevention of allergy symptoms caused by mold is important, especially for those who are prone to allergies. The following measures can help reduce mold exposure:
- Keep the interior dry and well ventilated.
- Fix leaking pipes and other moisture damage quickly.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, such as basements and bathrooms.
- Clean and dry wet areas such as showers and bathroom floors regularly.
- Avoid working or staying outdoors when the number of mold spores is high, for example after rain.
More information about allergy symptoms caused by mold and their treatment can be found, for example, at Terveyskirjasto and From the website of the Allergy, Skin and Asthma Association.
