Mold Allergies. A Major Contributor to Allergic Rhinitis

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Mold Allergies

http://allergies.about.com/cs/molds/a/aa071999.htm

A Major Contributor to Allergic Rhinitis

Molds may be a major contributor to seasonal and perennial allergic

rhinitis, as well as other health problems.

Although thousands of molds exist, only a few dozen different types

are significant allergens. Mold spores can easily become airborne

and can be found almost anywhere. Because they are so small, mold

spores may invade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper

respiratory tract.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms associated with exposure to certain molds

include the following: nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing,

aggravation of asthma, cold/flu like symptoms, rashes, fever,

shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, fatigue, and

sometimes lung infections.

The mold Stachybotrys has been known to cause fatal bleeding in the

lungs of infants when combined with exposure to cigarette smoke.

Stachybotrys atra can cause nervous system symptoms, such as

personality changes, sleep disorders and memory loss.

Indoor Molds

Because mold spores become airborne easily, they float throughout

the house forming new colonies, wherever they land.

The indoor mold allergens can cause allergies year round.

The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium,

Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Mucor. Other common molds include

Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Rhizopus, and Aureobasidium

(Pullularia).

Other molds found where water has been standing a long time include

Fusarium, Trichoderma, and Stachybotrys. These molds can be very

toxic. The Stachybotrys mold grows on water soaked building

materials with a high cellulose content (wood, paper, and cotton

products).

The sources of mold in the home include damp basements and closets,

bathrooms (especially shower stalls), places where fresh food is

stored, refrigerator drip trays, house plants, air conditioners,

humidifiers, garbage pails, mattresses, upholstered furniture and

old foam rubber pillows.

Other products that are favorable for mold growth include paper and

paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, wood products, dust,

paints, wallpaper, insulation materials, dry wall, carpet and fabric.

Mold growth can be slowed by following a few tips. Keep the humidity

level in the home below 40 percent by using an air conditioner or

dehumidifier during the hot humid months. Be sure to change or clean

the filters frequently. Make sure the kitchen and bathrooms are

ventilated properly, and clean them with a bleach solution that

consists of one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.

Food Molds

Symptoms of mold allergy may be brought on or worsened by eating

certain foods, therefore if you are allergic to molds you may need

to avoid the following foods: cheeses, mushrooms, dried fruits (such

as apricots, dates, prunes, figs and raisins), foods containing

yeast, soy sauce, vinegar, mayonnaise, other salad dressings,

catsup, chili sauce, pickles, pickled beets, relishes, green olives,

sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, beer, wine, sauerkraut, pickled

and smoked meats and fish, sausages, hot dogs, corned beef, pickled

tongue, canned tomatoes and canned juices.

Outdoor Molds

Molds are the second leading cause of outdoor airborne allergies,

with pollen being the first. Molds can be found in compost piles,

cut grass, wooded areas, fallen leaves, soil, debris and other moist

surfaces.

Excess moisture conditions that can lead to mold problems include

improperly vented dryers, neglect of gutters and poor drainage of

foundation water.