Mold Allergy Symptoms

Mold allergy symptoms can be very uncomfortable, and make you miserable. Unfortunately, many people have mold and mildew in their home without even being aware of these problems. Mold and mildew are caused by different types of fungi, and are spread through spores that travel through the air. There are hundreds of types of fungi, but only a small percentage cause allergies or symptoms in people. Unfortunately, most of the types that cause a reaction or allergy symptoms are the ones commonly growing in homes, sometimes visibly on the walls and in other areas. Sometimes mold grows in hidden spots so you are unable to see it.

Of the several types of mold that can cause allergy sysmptoms, the most common are; Aureobasidium (Pullularia), Stachybotrys, Aspergillus, Alternaria, Helmin thosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Cladosporium (Hormodendrum), and Penicillium. Mold and mildew grow in areas of your home where it is warm and moist. Your kitchen, basement, and bathroom are especially susceptible to the mold because of the environment in these rooms. Anyone can develop allergies to mold, especially if there are other allergies to things like dander and pollen or they have a family history of allergies. Symptoms of mold allergies can include itching, a runny nose, sneezing, skin that is dry and scaly, and in rare cases, a severe allergic reaction that can be serious or even life threatening. Mold can also get in your lungs, and cause a serious medical condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Mold allergies and symptoms occur more often in certain professions, because these jobs expose them to more mold than normal. These jobs include bakers, dairy workers, farmers, carpenters, furniture repairers, wine makers, mill workers, greenhouse employees, and loggers. There may also be a slight connection between eating a lot of fungi, in the form of mushrooms, soy sauce, yeast products, vinegar, and dried fruits to name a few. The biggest cause of mold allergies and symptoms are household molds growing in your home.

Mold allergy symptoms can be controlled by taking certain steps. Visit your doctor and talk about your treatment options. Decongestants and antihistamines can help relieve your symptoms, but the mold must be eliminated. If you exhibit these symptoms, it may be a good idea to test for mold in your home. Some types of mold can be toxic and cause symptoms far worse than simple allergy symptoms. There is an easy way to determine whether you have unseen mold growing in your home. Olympian offers test kits that you can order which will help you easily determine whether your home is posing any hidden mold problems. In many states, a home seller does not have to disclose mold to a buyer unless it is visible, yet mold can thrive in the ventilation ducts and walls, where it can not be seen. This can have a big effect on the health of the home residents. Whether you already own a home or are buying one, testing for mold should be one test that is not neglected. Many home owners prefer Olympian test kits for home mold testing because of their reliability. The testing kit is shipped to your home, and is very simple to use. If you live in New York or New Jersey, you can also call Olympian to set up a home inspection, which will ensure that your home is free from these allergy causing and health threatening spores.

Mold allergy symptoms can range, depending on the molds that are present. There may be several types present in the same home, so eliminating all mold and spores is critical. If mold is visible, you can wipe down the surface with a combination of bleach water, mixing one part bleach to ten parts water. This will only work on hard surfaces though, and if the surface is soft or soaks up the cleaning solution then it is not effective, and the entire surface should be removed and discarded. Do not ever burn building materials that have mold, because the spores can be released into the air, causing mold allergy symptoms from the smoke and nearby air that may be inhaled. The best way to prevent and eliminate mold is to first identify that there is mold in your home, and this is done by calling Olympian today, to set up a home inspection or order a home mold testing kit. This will give you the answers you need so that you can take any needed steps to protect your family and home from this insidious threat.

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