Mold allergy is relatively rare but for those who suffer from it, it can be very troublesome. Sensitivity can also vary from person to person and some types of molds can be more harmful than others.
What mold allergy sufferers react to when in contact with mold are the spores and mycotoxins, or toxins, that the mold releases. As an allergy sufferer, you do not need to physically touch the mold to have a reaction, it is enough to be in the same environment as the mold as the spores are airborne.
Since the spores are spread through the air, the most common way to be exposed to them is by inhalation. Therefore, symptoms tend to affect mainly the respiratory tract. For people with asthma, mold allergy can be particularly troublesome.
There are many different types of molds. A very common type of mold is so-called black mold, which is often found in houses with moisture damage. Black mold is a collective name for dark mold fungi and includes about 300 different species. Other mold species that can cause allergies are Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fumigatus, Penicillium and Stachybotrys.
The symptoms of mold allergy can vary from person to person. Some react more strongly than others and vice versa. Some have only a mild runny nose or cough, while others have severe respiratory problems that require medical attention, such as allergic asthma.
As mold is a fungus and its pores are airborne, symptoms in the trachea are often the most common. But cough, runny nose, fatigue, dry skin, headache, and itchy eyes can also occur. If you already have asthma, you may also experience some breathing difficulties.
If you have mold in your home, it is recommended that you try to fix the problem as soon as possible, whether you are allergic or not. It is not good to be exposed to mold for a long time, especially if you experience allergic symptoms.
If you have a severe allergy or experience breathing difficulties, it is best to avoid the affected area until the mold has been remediated and removed.