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Mold Allergies
from:Allergies are a common ailment among many people today, and the substances that people are allergic to can vary widely. For those who suffer from mold allergies, it may be difficult to cope with the symptoms. The reason that mold allergies can be such a challenge is that there is not a set season for mold to appear, and some sufferers can experience symptoms year-round. Because mold is so prevalent, a mold allergy can be persistent. Unlike a pollen allergy, mold allergies can persist throughout the year. Mold spores are continually in the air around us; they are incredibly small and cannot be eliminated. The good news is that these types of allergies are relatively rare; when you consider the number of molds that we might be exposed to every day. It is also possible to effectively treat mold allergy symptoms, so you that you do not have to suffer unnecessarily with the sniffling and sneezing that can arise with exposure to the dreaded substance.
Symptoms of mold allergy
The symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of other allergic reactions, and can include nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, and a skin rash. If you experience these symptoms while raking leaves or mowing grass, you might be suffering from mold allergies. Likewise, if you notice these symptoms when you enter a musty basement or other moist area, mold may indeed be the culprit. To determine if your allergies really are caused by mold spores, you can have an allergy test done at your doctor’s office. There are two types of tests that are done; a skin test or a blood sample. Either test can give your doctor a good idea about the substances that you might be allergic to so that he can treat your allergies in the most effective way. There is no generic test for mold allergy, but there are many tests for allergy caused by various different types of mold, aspergillus or alternaria for example. There thousands of species of molds, but there are only a few dozen species that commonly cause allergies.
Prevention
While there are numerous treatments for allergies that can be very helpful, another good way of reducing symptoms is by prevention. This usually entails an avoidance of the allergy triggers – which in this case would be mold spores. If you live in a humid climate, you will have mold in your living space. Older types of housing can harbor excessive mold, and lack of adequate ventilation can cause mold to build around window frames. If you suspect your work environment may be contributing to your symptoms then you should request your employer to have the premises tested for the presence of mold. Prevention of mold allergies might include avoiding food that has a greater chance of harboring mold, like cheese and mushrooms, or staying away from damp areas like basements. It is also a good idea to change your furnace filter frequently to prevent mold from developing.
Treatment
Treatment is similar as that for any other type of allergy and generally includes over the counter medications like decongestants and antihistamines. For more severe symptoms, your doctor can prescribe similar medications in stronger doses. You can also opt for steroidal nasal sprays to keep nasal passages clear, or inhaled medications if you also suffer from asthma. Many of these medications are safe to take over a longer period of time, making them a good option for mold allergy sufferers who might experience symptoms year round. With a combination of prevention and treatment options, you can keep your mold allergy symptoms under control.
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