Mold allergies can be a constant source of discomfort. Unlike seasonal allergies that get seasonal time off; or food and pet allergies, which can be physically avoided, mold allergies bother sufferers 24/7. This is because mold is around us all the time, every day, indoors and out, rain or shine.
People with mold allergies tend to have their most severe symptoms in the summertime. But mold spores, the allergen in question, are released into the air in warm or cold weather; in humid or dry conditions. In addition, mold can settle and grow almost anywhere, making nowhere safe for the mold allergy sufferer.
On the bright side - there are thousands of types of molds and only a small few will cause allergies. These generally are the types that live in moisture, such as outdoor mold on damp leaves and grass cuttings or in rotting vegetation and trees. Indoor moisture molds of allergenic nature can grow in the laundry room, bathroom, kitchen, basement, or attic; anywhere moisture gathers.
Symptoms of mold allergies are similar to those of all other allergies - skin irritations, chronic sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watery eyes. A doctor can give you a simple skin test to determine if you are allergic to mold. Once diagnosed, a plan for treating the current symptoms and preventing further occurrences can be developed.
Symptoms can be treated by over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants. For a severe reaction, see your doctor. He can get you some prescription strength medications that will do the trick.
The next thing you need to do is remove or minimize all possible sources of the mold allergens from your home. Here are some recommended actions:
1. Assure the house is properly ventilated and have working exhaust fans in each bathroom.
2. Use central air conditioning, if possible. Install a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in the central air conditioning unit. This prevents mold spores from being circulated throughout the home.
3. If you have carpeting in any room that could become damp, like the kitchen, bathroom or basement, remove it. Carpeting plays host to mold and you're better off without it if it could easily get wet.
4. Because mold can accumulate very quickly, bathrooms and kitchens need to be scrubbed frequently.
5. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels in your home. If you don't have a dehumidifier, raising the temperature also reduces humidity.
6. Any water draining from the roof should be channeled away from the building's foundation to eliminate the mold growth process closest to you.
7. Any leaks in the home should be repaired as soon as possible to stop any mold growth within the structure that will be harder to detect and get rid of later. This could happen anywhere, but is especially prevalent in roofs, foundations and areas of wall near windows or doors.
8. Steps should be taken to help assure that any place in the yard that becomes damp, especially in close proximity to the house and open windows, should be able to dry. Remove excess foliage, or cut trees, to allow air and sun to get at these areas and dry them out regularly.
Don't let mold allergies get the better of you. Fight back!
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