Mold Allergies Treatment
Mold spores are present in the air we all breathe, but only an estimated 3% to 10% of people are allergic to mold. These people have allergic reactions if they are exposed to too much of this fungus because their immune system recognizes it as an allergen and overreacts. Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in New Jersey and Philadelphia are experts in diagnosing and treating mold and other allergies.
- The Connection Between Mold Exposure and Allergic Symptoms
- Avoiding Mold Outdoors
- Short-Term Treatment of Mold Allergies
- Long-Term Treatment of Mold Allergies
- Seeing a Specialist When Over-the-Counter Remedies Don’t Work
- Tips on Home Treatment for Mold Allergies
- Frequently Asked Questions about Mold Allergies
The Connection Between Mold Exposure and Allergic Symptoms
Mold exposure can cause a variety of allergic symptoms, including runny nose, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, and stuffy nose. If you have a mold allergy, your body’s immune system will identify the allergen as a foreign substance and will release antibodies to fight it. This can lead to an intense inflammatory response that causes allergic responses such as sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
There are many types of mold found throughout the United States, but some common types include Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. The type of fungus present in your home or workplace will depend on the local environment – for example, if there is poor ventilation or high humidity levels indoors.
If you think you may be suffering from a respiratory allergy due to mold exposure, it is important to seek professional medical advice from an allergist or immunologist who is familiar with bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (BPA). Your doctor will take into consideration factors such as your medical history and environmental factors when making a diagnosis and recommending the best treatment plan for you.
Avoiding Mold Outdoors
It’s important to reduce your exposure to mold spores if you have an allergy to them, as this can help prevent allergic asthma symptoms and other immune responses. When outdoors, try to avoid areas with high levels of indoor molds such as in damp basements or near standing water. Additionally, be aware of any potential sources of excess moisture inside your home such as pipe leaks or black mold which could increase the health risks associated with breathing in these kinds of molds.
Short-Term Treatment of Mold Allergies
The treatment for mold allergies is determined by the severity of the individual’s reaction. At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, we provide comprehensive care for allergy management.
Nasal Sprays to Reduce Inflammation
Nasal sprays can be used to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages caused by postnasal drip due to visible mold. Nasal corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to treat allergic conditions and can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. Allergy medications, such as a dust mask, may also be helpful in reducing exposure to airborne mold and other allergens. It is important to consult with your allergist or health care provider before starting any over-the-counter treatment and take into consideration your individual health condition after a physical examination.
Antihistamines for Allergy Symptoms
Antihistamines are a common treatment for mold allergies since they can be taken orally or through nasal lavage, which is an irrigation device used to flush out the nasal passages. Common symptoms of a mold allergy include skin rash, itchy eyes and nose, and respiratory reactions such as coughing or sneezing. These symptoms tend to worsen when exposed to triggers such as excessive moisture or ideal conditions for common molds to grow. Allegra Allergy is an example of an antihistamine that can be taken on a regular basis to reduce the response to mold. However, since long-term use of antihistamines has potential side effects, it is important to consult with your allergist prior to beginning any medications.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Relief
Over-the-counter medications can be helpful in relieving symptoms associated with an allergy to mold. These can include antihistamines to reduce the inflammation of the nasal passages, decongestants to reduce blockage, and corticosteroid nasal sprays to decrease mucosal swelling. Additionally, inhalers containing short-acting bronchodilators may be necessary for those with mild asthma. It is always important to consult with your allergist or health care provider before starting any over-the-counter treatment and take into consideration your individual health condition after a physical examination.
Immunotherapy for Longer-Term Treatment
Immunotherapy is an effective long-term treatment for mold allergies. Immunotherapy is used to help patients build up a tolerance to the allergens which trigger their symptoms, such as airborne mold spores. It is recommended for those who have experienced multiple symptoms over a period of time, have a family history of allergies, or reactions to mold that are severe or life-threatening.
Immunotherapy should be considered when there is evidence of increased exposure to triggers such as roof leaks and leaky pipes putting people at risk for asthma flare-ups or even a severe asthma attack. Additionally, if someone has been dealing with chronic nasal dryness and other irritating nasal symptoms due to excessive moisture indoors, immunotherapy may be beneficial in reducing their reactions to the allergen.
Long-Term Treatment of Mold Allergies
Long-term treatment for mold allergies should focus on reducing exposure to allergen triggers and controlling symptoms. Common allergens associated with mold include microscopic spores, dead skin cells, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. It is important to identify the types of mold present in the home or office environment as well as any risk factors that may increase exposure to these allergens. For example, water damage due to roof leaks or plumbing problems can lead to increased mold growth indoors.
To reduce contact with these allergens, it is recommended to use air filters, dehumidifiers, and exhaust fans in areas where there is a risk for mold growth. Additionally, salt water nasal rinses can be used daily to flush out foreign invaders such as airborne particles from the nasal passages. Allergy skin testing and blood tests may also be used by an experienced allergist to confirm the diagnosis of a mold allergy and identify triggers that you may need to avoid or take steps to reduce your exposure over time.
Seeing a Specialist When Over-the-Counter Remedies Don’t Work
When over-the-counter remedies fail to provide relief from mold allergies, it is important to seek medical advice from an allergist. An allergist can diagnose the type of mold allergy a person is dealing with and create a treatment plan that meets their individual needs. A specialist may begin by performing skin tests and taking a blood sample to look for antibodies generated in response to particular types of molds. In more severe cases, such as those involving lung inflammation due to high levels of mold exposure, the allergist may suggest additional testing or refer the patient to another specialist for further evaluation. Treatment options may include medications, immunotherapy, nasal rinses, or lifestyle changes to reduce exposure and improve symptoms such as an itchy nose or eyes.
Tips on Home Treatment for Mold Allergies
Home treatment for mold allergies should focus on reducing exposure to mold spores and controlling symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe mold extract injections to desensitize the body to certain types of molds; however, this type of therapy is generally only used for severe respiratory mold allergies.
To reduce contact with allergens indoors, it is important to maintain proper ventilation in living spaces by opening windows or using a ventilation fan when needed. Moisture meters can be used to detect levels of household mold growth and indicate where water seepage might be occurring and causing mold growth. Additionally, preventive measures such as repairing plumbing issues and keeping garbage cans covered can help reduce the further spread of allergen-producing fungus indoors.
For those experiencing symptoms such as nasal dryness or a blocked nose due to indoor exposure to mold, symptom relief can often be found through the use of oral decongestants or saline nasal rinses. It is important to note that symptoms may become worse if preventive measures are not taken and exposure continues over time; therefore it is important to follow the advice provided by your doctor when treating mold allergies at home.
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Why Choose Our Specialists?
- Dr. Daniel G. Becker, Founder and Medical Director of The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a highly trained, board-certified specialist who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1986.
- Dr. Samuel S. Becker, Director of Rhinology at The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a highly trained, board-certified specialist who graduated from Amherst College in 1991 and attended medical school at the University of California San Francisco.
- Dr. Kenneth Rosenstein is a highly trained, board certified otolaryngologist who attended medical school at Mcgill University, and completed his residency training at the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
- Dr. Naomi Gregory is a highly trained, board certified otolaryngologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Gregory completed medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia PA.
- Dr. Michael Lupa, MD is a highly trained, board certified otolaryngologist with additional training in sinus surgery and allergy treatment as well as advanced skull base surgery. He studied Biology at Tufts University and went on to complete medical school at Case Western University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Dr. Robert Mignone is a highly trained, board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon who attended medical school at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Dr. Aubrey McCullough is a highly trained otolaryngologist, facial plastic and head and neck surgeon who completed medical school at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Dr. Luke Kim is an otolaryngologist who specializes in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Kim graduated with honors and with distinction from Cornell University and completed his medical studies at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.