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Along with pollens from
trees, grasses, and weeds, molds are an important cause of seasonal
allergic rhinitis. People allergic to molds may have symptoms from
spring to late fall. The mold season often peaks from July to late
summer. Unlike pollens, molds may persist after the first killing
frost. Some can grow at subfreezing temperatures, but most become
dormant. Snow cover lowers the outdoor mold count dramatically but
does not kill molds. After the spring thaw, molds thrive on the vegetation
that has been killed by the winter cold.
In the warmest areas of the United States, however, molds thrive all
year and can cause year-round (perennial) allergic problems. In addition,
molds growing indoors can cause perennial allergic rhinitis even in
the coldest climates.
There are thousands of types of molds and yeast, the two groups of
plants in the fungus family. Yeasts are single cells that divide to
form clusters. Molds consist of many cells that grow as branching
threads called hyphae. Although both groups can probably cause allergic
reactions, only a small number of molds are widely recognized offenders.
The seeds or reproductive particles of fungi are called spores. They
differ in size, shape, and color among species. Each spore that germinates
can give rise to new mold growth, which in turn can produce millions
of spores.
Reactions:
When you have inhaled mold, microscopic fungal spores or, sometimes,
fragments of fungi, it may cause allergic rhinitis. Because they are
so small, mold spores may evade the protective mechanisms of the nose
and upper respiratory tract to 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 allergic symptoms. There
is no known relationship, however, between a respiratory allergy to
the mold Penicillium and an allergy to the drug penicillin, made from
the mold.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause allergic reactions
in sensitive individuals. Allergic reactions to mold are common —
these reactions can be immediate or delayed up to six hours. Allergic
reactions include:
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Respiratory problems, such as
cough, sneezing, wheezing, infection, and/or difficulty in breathing |
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Hay fever-type symptoms |
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Sensitivity to light |
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Nose and throat irritation |
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Nasal or sinus congestion |
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Watery, reddened, or burning eyes |
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Red eyes |
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Runny Nose |
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Sneezing |
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Dermatitis ( skin rash or irritation) |
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Headache |
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Fatigue |
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Prevention:
The key to mold prevention and mold & mildew removal
is to eliminate moisture. Basements must be dried out, and humidity
levels should be maintained at about 50% relative humidity or lower
to prevent mold growth. Dehumidifiers can be very useful. Vapor steam
cleaning or vacuuming with High Efficiency Particulate Absolute (HEPA)
filter vacuums can reduce mold spore concentrations in damp areas
and carpets, but if not done properly mold spores can remain or be
spread into the air.
See Clean Air Management for a list of resources
to purchase products to keep your home mold free.
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