- Mold spores are considered fungi, and can breed both indoors and outdoors. Inside the house, mold spores grow in damp areas, such as bathrooms and basements. Outside, mold spores tend to appear after a cold winter and can grow on leaves, plants and trees. Mold spores can spread in damp and foggy conditions or when it is dry and windy. Mold spores can linger year round.
- Not everyone is susceptible to mold allergies. If your family has a history of any allergies and/or asthma, then you may be prone as well. Those allergic to pet dander, pollens and dust mites can be more likely to develop a mold spore allergy. If you are unsure of your family history, it's a good idea to visit an allergist to get tested.
- A reaction to mold spores can be similar to any respiratory allergy. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis symptoms are the most common. Some of these include nasal congestion, sore throat, red and watery eyes, sneezing and coughing.
- In more severe cases, symptoms can lead to asthma. Asthmatic symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. A more rare situation that can arise from mold spores is allergic fungal sinusitis. When fungus makes its way into the sinuses, a fungal ball can form. In some instances, surgery may be required to remove it.
- Because mold spores are airborne they can be very difficult to avoid when outdoors. There are, however, many things you can do to protect yourself while inside. Be sure to use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters around the home to remove the micro-sized mold spores. To prevent further mold growth, it's important to keep humidity levels down. This can be achieved by installing exhaust fans in highly damp areas of the home, as well as using a dehumidifier.
- There are many good over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help reduce your mold spore allergy symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants are among the most effective. Talk to your doctor about which will work best for you.
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