Mold Allergies: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Them

What is a Mold Allergy?

Mold allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to mold spores in the air. Molds are a type of fungus that grows in damp, warm, and humid environments. When mold spores are inhaled, they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These reactions are similar to those caused by other common allergens like pollen and dust mites.

Types of Mold That Cause Allergies

Several types of mold are known to cause allergies:

  • Aspergillus: Commonly found in both outdoor and indoor environments, this mold can cause allergic reactions and more severe respiratory issues in some individuals.
  • Cladosporium: This mold often appears on dead plants, wood, and textiles. It's one of the most common outdoor molds but can also thrive indoors in damp areas.
  • Alternaria: Frequently found in soil, plants, and indoor environments with high humidity, Alternaria is a common cause of allergic reactions.

Signs and Symptoms of Mold Allergies

allergy to mold

Anyone who suffers from seasonal allergies knows how irritating they can be. If there’s a lot of pollen in the air, you may be troubled even leaving the house without a box of tissues in hand. Seasonal allergies, otherwise known as hay fever, trigger all sorts of unpleasantries.

Before you spend a fortune on pills or strap a dust mask on outdoors, consider mold—yes, mold—and the possibility that what you think are symptoms of seasonal allergies could, in fact, be symptoms of mold exposure, either indoors or out. Our mold removal teams in Montreal and Ottawa are available to help identify and remediate any potential mold problem.

Common Symptoms of Mold Allergies

Mold allergies can cause a variety of symptoms that often resemble other respiratory allergies. Common symptoms include:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Coughing
  • Postnasal drip

Bear in mind that no two reactions to mold are exactly the same. Your reaction will depend on the frequency or duration of your exposure and your sensitivity to mold.

Some people are born sensitive, while others are more susceptible because they are either elderly, very young, or they have a weak immune system at the time of exposure.

Because symptoms of mold exposure and symptoms of seasonal allergies are so similar, many people mistaken one for the other. This is problematic because mold spores can be hazardous. Exposure to potentially toxic black mold spores can be life threatening even – especially over time. If you suspect mold exposure, consider our mold inspection services or mold testing services for a thorough assessment.

It’s imperative then that you recognize and address mold allergies for exactly what they are. This allergy season, the next time your eyes start feeling itchy or out-of-control watery, or you can’t quit sneezing, think about your indoor environment—your home, your office, or school. Next, ask yourself these important questions:

Besides symptoms of exposure, a history of flooding, discoloured walls or building materials or musty odours are all tell-tales signs of a mold problem. If you observe any of these signs, we offer air quality testing in Ottawa and mold inspection in Montreal to help assess and rectify the situation.

Ask your doctor for his or her opinion on the matter. Explain your symptoms and perhaps take an allergy test. You must first get to the root of the real problem to receive effective and long-lasting relief.

Severe Reactions to Mold Exposure

For some individuals, exposure to mold can lead to more severe health issues:

  • Asthma Attacks: Mold spores can trigger asthma symptoms in people with asthma, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
  • Anaphylaxis: Although rare, some types of mold can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
  • Chronic Respiratory Issues: Long-term exposure to mold can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, including persistent coughs, lung infections, and even lung scarring.

Diagnosing a Mold Allergy

How to Diagnose a Mold Allergy

Diagnosing a mold allergy typically involves a combination of medical history and diagnostic tests:

  • Medical History: A healthcare provider will review your symptoms and medical history to determine if mold allergy is a likely cause.
  • Skin Prick Tests: This test involves placing a small amount of mold extract on the skin and then pricking the skin so the extract enters the surface. If you're allergic to mold, you will develop a small raised bump at the test site.
  • Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure your immune system's response to mold by detecting specific antibodies.

When to See a Doctor

You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience persistent allergy symptoms that don't improve with over-the-counter treatments or if you suspect that mold in your home or workplace is causing health issues. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

Management and Treatment of Mold Allergies

Medications for Mold Allergies

Several medications can help manage mold allergy symptoms:

  • Antihistamines: These drugs reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itchiness by blocking histamine, a substance produced during an allergic reaction.
  • Nasal Corticosteroids: These nasal sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
  • Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): This long-term treatment gradually reduces your immune system's response to specific allergens, including mold spores.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Symptoms

Making certain changes in your environment and daily routine can help manage mold allergy symptoms:

  • Reduce Indoor Humidity: Use dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity levels below 50%. Fix any leaks promptly to prevent mold growth.
  • Proper Ventilation: Ensure your home is well-ventilated. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and open windows when possible to improve air circulation.
  • Mold-Resistant Products: Consider using mold-resistant products in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements.

Mold Exposure and Health Risks

Health Risks of Prolonged Mold Exposure

Long-term exposure to mold can lead to various health problems:

  • Chronic Cough: Persistent exposure to mold spores can cause chronic coughing and other respiratory issues.
  • Skin Irritation: Contact with mold can cause skin rashes and irritation.
  • Memory Problems: Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to mold may affect cognitive functions, leading to memory problems.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are more susceptible to the health risks associated with mold exposure:

  • Children and the Elderly: These groups have more vulnerable immune systems and are more likely to suffer severe symptoms from mold exposure.
  • Immunocompromised Individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV/AIDS, are at higher risk of severe health complications from mold exposure.

How to prevent mold allergies?

Similar to hay fever, poor ventilation in your indoor space will trigger allergies if there’s existing mold. Ensure your home is properly ventilated to alleviate symptoms.

  • Use the air conditioner, if you have one;
  • Install a dehumidifier, to keep the air indoors dry; and
  • Frequently clean your floors, preferably with a HEPA vacuum.

These are just a few measures you can take to improve the air flow and prevent indoor air pollutants from accumulating.

Cleaning Up Mold Safely

Besides alleviating your mold allergies, why not completely eliminate them? Preventing mold from developing in the first place is the absolute best way to avoid mold allergies and the fungal growth’s many other negative effects. To do so, control moisture and the relative humidity indoors.

When cleaning mold, take precautions to avoid exposure to mold spores:

  • Protective Gear: Wear gloves, an N95 respirator, and protective eyewear to prevent inhaling or touching mold spores.
  • Cleaning Solutions: Use appropriate cleaning solutions, such as a mixture of bleach and water (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water), to clean moldy surfaces.
  • Professional Help: For large mold infestations or mold in hidden areas, hire a professional mold remediation service to ensure thorough and safe removal.

If it’s too late for preventative measures, and it’s already developed, quickly have it removed. If you don’t, not only will your symptoms persist but they may develop into more serious and long-term respiratory troubles. Our mold removal service is designed to help in such scenarios. We also offer virtual mold inspection services for convenience and efficiency.

Don’t forget that you’re not likely the only one affected by mold exposure in your home, even if you’re the only one exhibiting symptoms. Everyone reacts differently but nobody is immune or safe from its adverse health effects.

Published: May 15, 2020 Updated: June 26, 2024

John Ward

Written by:

Account Executive
Mold Busters

Fact checked by:

CEO
Mold Busters

Michael Golubev

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