During the winter season, things can get pretty damp especially if you live in the Bay Area where the humidity is high. Many people suffer from respiratory symptoms year round, while some experience them seasonally. Many of our patients come in during a “wet season” with a cold or cough that has triggered the mold allergy. If you experience respiratory symptoms or a “cold” that doesn’t go away, it’s possible you may be experiencing symptoms of a mold allergy.
Mold spores are tiny and unseeable to the naked eye. They can be found in multiple places around the house and workplace; in wooden floorboards, closets, kitchens, drywall, basements, and bathrooms. They can survive under harsh conditions and dry climates in which typically, mold cannot grow. Mold spores also travel easily in both outdoor and indoor air and when mold spores land on a surface where moisture is present, mold can start growing. Because mold spores are flying through the air we are all exposed to inhaling them, even mild symptoms can be a reaction to a developed mold allergy.
While many of the symptoms manifest in respiratory issues, mold allergies can also affect your skin and cognitive ability. Below are some of the symptoms related to mold allergies.
Common Symptoms
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy Throat
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Asthma symptoms like chest tightness
- Sinus infections
- Dry, scaling skin
- Eczema and flared eczema
- Rashes
- Fatigue
- Cognitive issues
Prevention and management of a mold allergy include cleaning spills and fixing leaks quickly, using a dehumidifier or an HEPA air filter, regularly cleaning garbage cans and regularly cleaning gutters to ensure that drainage flows away from the house. When cleaning the house, try using a dust mask and a Neti pot to rinse out the sinuses.
Since mold can’t be avoided (it can live anywhere, including food!), Advanced Allergy Solutions also offers a mold treatment which will help reduce your body’s overall reaction when exposed to mold. Now you’ll be able to clean out the closets and damp rooms for the New Year! Book your next appointment today!