Mold Allergy Facts
Mold allergy can be seasonal,
but mold spores are carried in the air and can also be present
all year long.
Mold is most common indoors in damp
locations such as swamp coolers, basements, bathrooms, or
washrooms. Fabrics, rugs, stuffed animals, books, or wallpaper
can harbor mold spores if they are frequently in contact with
water or kept in a damp place. Outdoors, mold lives in the soil, on compost, and on
damp vegetation. An allergy to airborne particles most commonly
leads to allergic rhinitis (symptoms in the eyes, nose, and
throat).
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What Allergy Treatments Are
Available?
Allergy treatment
usually starts with avoiding
the substances (allergens) that
cause your signs and symptoms.
If you can minimize your
exposure to allergens — which
may include everything from
pollen, mold, pet dander and
dust mites to certain foods,
drugs and chemicals — you'll
have less sneezing, coughing
and itching. But because you
can't always avoid everything
that triggers your allergies,
your doctor may prescribe
allergy medication.
The right medication or
combination of medications
depends on the allergy symptoms
you have. Allergy medications
are available in pill, liquid,
nasal spray, eye drop and
topical forms, some
over-the-counter and others by
prescription only. The main
types of allergy medications
are: Corticosteroids: These
medications help prevent and
treat the inflammation
associated with allergic
conditions. Antihistamines:
These drugs block histamine, an
inflammatory chemical released
by your immune system during an
allergic reaction.
Decongestants: These drugs
relieve nasal and sinus
congestion. Leukotriene
modifiers: These medications
block the effects of
leukotrienes, inflammatory
chemicals released by your
immune system during an
allergic reaction. And finally,
Mast cell stabilizers: These
preparations prevent the
release of histamine.
Looking for an herbal
remedy for your allergies? Some
research suggests that the
herbal supplement butterbur may
relieve allergy symptoms. What
is butterbur? Butterbur is a
large-leafed, shrub-like plant
native to Europe. Extracts from
the roots, leaves and stem of
the butterbur plant have been
used to treat migraine
headaches, stomach ulcers,
infections and coughs, as well
as allergies and asthma.
Butterbur has anti-inflammatory
effects that decrease histamine
and leukotrienes. However,
butterbur also contains
substances that can be toxic to
your liver and may cause
cancer. Some butterbur products
are processed to reduce the
amount of these toxins.
Butterbur is most
commonly taken as tablets. It's
also available in teas,
extracts, and capsules
containing raw herbs. You can
buy butterbur as a tablet or as
part of a product that contains
a mixture of herbs. While
results of studies on butterbur
seem positive, the quality of
some studies has been a matter
of some debate. Other clinical
studies have shown no benefit
from taking butterbur for
allergies. No studies have been
done to determine the long-term
safety and effectiveness of
butterbur.
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There are thousands of types of molds in the fungus family.
Molds are made of many cells that grow as branching threads
called hyphae. Although they can probably cause allergic
reactions, only a small number of molds are widely recognized
offenders.
The seeds or reproductive pieces of fungi are called spores.
Spores differ in size, shape, and color among types of mold.
Each spore that germinates can give rise to new mold growth,
which in turn can produce millions of spores.
What is mold allergy? When inhaled, tiny fungal spores, or
sometimes pieces of fungi, may cause allergic rhinitis. Because
they are so small, mold spores also can reach the lungs. In a
small number of people, symptoms of mold allergy may be brought
on or worsened by eating certain foods such as cheeses
processed with fungi. Occasionally, mushrooms, dried fruits,
and foods containing yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar will produce
allergy symptom.
It is common for people to get mold allergy if they or other
family members are allergic to substances such as pollen or
animal dander. People may become allergic to only mold or
fungi, or they may also have problems with dust mites, pollens
and other spores. If you are allergic to only fungi, it is
unlikely that you would be bothered by all fungi. The different
types of fungi spores have only limited similarities. People in
some occupations have more exposure to mold and are at greater
risk of developing allergies. Farmers, dairymen, loggers,
bakers, mill workers, carpenters, greenhouse employees, wine
makers and furniture repairers are at increased risk.
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