If you find yourself sniffling, sneezing or coughing and you can’t figure out why, you may have mold allergies.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow in damp places. “Molds are everywhere. They are how nature breaks down things it doesn't need anymore. It’s normal to find mold spores both indoors and out,” said Mike Daines, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist with Banner – University Medicine.
Molds release tiny particles called spores into the air. If you have a mold allergy, inhaling these spores can cause symptoms. “Molds are one of the many things in our environment that tend to provoke an immune system overreaction that causes allergy symptoms,” Dr. Daines said.
Mold allergy symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Skin irritation or rashes
Keep in mind that it might not be mold that’s causing your symptoms. “Allergies to pets or pollen or even a respiratory infection can look the same,” Dr. Daines said. Mold allergies can happen any time of the year, unlike seasonal allergies. If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms, contact a health care provider.
If you have mold allergies, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Where you might find mold in your home
“Mold thrives in damp, humid environments,” Dr. Daines said. Look for mold in places that are poorly ventilated, leaky or prone to condensation:
- Bathrooms: Around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilets
- Kitchens: Under sinks, near leaky appliances and in poorly ventilated areas
- Attics, basements and crawl spaces: Areas of high humidity or potential water leaks
- Windows and walls: Around air conditioning units and any place that has a leak
- Laundry rooms: Leaky washing machines
How mold allergies affect your health
Mold exposure might only cause mild symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes. But long term it can lead to sinus infections and may make other respiratory symptoms worse.
“Molds are one of just a few allergens that are sometimes called asthmagens. People who have allergies to molds have significantly higher risks of developing asthma and of having that asthma last into adulthood,” Dr. Daines said.
Children, older adults, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions and people with weaker immune systems are at higher risk of more serious problems from mold exposure.
How to spot mold at home
You don’t always need a professional to find mold in your home. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Visible mold: “Mold can appear in various colors, including black, green, gray or white. It often looks fuzzy or slimy,” Dr. Daines said. Look for it on walls, ceilings or other surfaces.
- Musty smell: Check for an earthy odor that doesn’t go away.
- Dampness: Look for moist surfaces or areas with water damage.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if a moldy area is about three feet by three feet or smaller, you can probably get rid of it yourself. Scrub it off of hard surfaces with detergent and water and let it dry completely.
You should get rid of moldy carpets or other absorbent materials since it can be difficult to clean out all the mold.
For bigger cleanup jobs, contact a professional.
Preventing mold at home
The best way to avoid mold allergies is to prevent mold from growing in the first place. Try these tips:
- Keep indoor humidity below 50% with a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
- Use exhaust fans to ventilate bathrooms and kitchens.
- Repair plumbing leaks and water damage right away.
- Use mold-killing cleaners on tiles, grout and other damp surfaces.
- Clean and dry any water-damaged areas within 24 to 48 hours.
- Avoid carpeting in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and basements.
- Clean and maintain appliances.
- Dust and vacuum often.
Managing mold allergies
If you’re dealing with mold allergies, the most important thing is to get rid of the mold. In the meantime, here’s how you can reduce symptoms:
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and decongestants.
- Consider nasal corticosteroids for more severe symptoms.
- Use a saline nasal rinse to clear allergens from nasal passages.
- Wear a dust mask when doing yard work or cleaning potentially moldy areas.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor mold spores.
- For severe cases, consider immunotherapy (allergy shots and medications).
Always consult a health care provider to find the best treatment plan for your symptoms. “If you suspect a mold sensitivity and want personalized medical help, you should see an allergist,” Dr. Daines said.
The bottom line
If you have mold allergies, getting rid of mold in your home can make a big difference in your health and well-being. If you think mold is causing your allergy symptoms, reach out to an expert at Banner Health for advice and care.
