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Mold is commonly found in areas like your basement, bathroom, kitchen, backyard and more. Oftentimes mold isn’t visible to the naked eye, and approximately 1,000 species of mold exist in the United States. Mold allergies occur when mold spores become airborne. This leads to an allergic reaction to individuals who have allergies.
When mold spores become airborne, individuals may have an allergic reaction. The severity of a person’s allergic reaction may depend on the certain mold(s) they are exposed to. Mold allergies may be present during certain times of the year, or occur year-round.
Symptoms of mold allergies vary between individuals. In some cases, a mold allergy can trigger asthma. Signs of an allergic reaction to mold include the following:
• Sneezing
• Runny Nose
• Cough
• Watery eyes
Your allergist will review your medical history and possibly recommend a skin or blood test if mold allergies are suspected. During a skin test, your allergist will use different types of mold to scratch or prick your skin and look for a reaction. Based on the results, a treatment plan will be proposed.
Individuals who have mold allergies can take measures to avoid exposure to mold. To reduce exposure to outdoor mold spores, wear a dust mask when dong outdoor yard work, such as mowing the lawn or landscaping. Indoor exposure to mold can be limited by reducing dampness in mold-prone areas, using exhaust fans and improving airflow. Your doctor may also recommend medications to control allergy symptoms, such as an antihistamine, or in some cases, allergy shots.