Mold is a kind of fungus which reproduces by creating tiny particles called spores. These spores are designed to become airborne, thus helping the mold spread. When inhaled, these spores can sometimes cause allergic reactions, as the body treats the particles as it would any other foreign invader. With certain kinds of molds, however, the reaction can become quite severe. One kind of very common household mold can be quite dangerous to anyone who has an immune deficiency, and has even been linked to infant deaths.
A mold allergy is often misdiagnosed, as it can be quite difficult for a doctor to determine what particular variable is causing the reaction. House dust, volatile organic compounds, pollens and pet dander are all common particles floating around in the air that we regularly breathe in our homes. Except in the case of VOC's, however, most of the reactions to these particles are benign. VOC's are known to be a likely contributor to asthma, which is a more serious respiratory disorder. Mold allergy is very common, but that does not mean it is not serious.
Reactions to mold can be as minimal as sneezing, runny nose, stuffed up nose, itchy eyes or watering eyes. But they can also be as serious as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and triggering an asthma attack, in which the airways swell up and breathing becomes very difficult. Even if the mold is no longer live, the dead spores will float in the air, and can cause adverse reactions.
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Everyone should be wary of exposure to household mold, but infants and children, the elderly, HIV patients or anyone with a depressed immune system, are all at increased risk of serious complications from mold. Mild reactions can often be dealt with by ingesting a simple anti-histamine, but this does not solve the problem of the mold itself. The source of the mold must be found, and the mold must be removed.
In most homes, mold is common but contained. Often, simply a decent indoor air purifier is enough to keep mold from floating around. Regular cleaning of wet surfaces like showers and baths with a cleaning solution such as vinegar or mild bleach is sufficient to kill mold. In some cases, however, the mold is growing in inaccessible places, such as in walls, but the spores are still making their way into the air stream.
If you suspect you are suffering from a mold allergy, it is essential that you investigate to find the source of the mold. This can be quite involved, but the main clue is that mold needs moisture to survive. This can be as little moisture as a tiny bit of condensation, but it must be a regular source, otherwise the mold spores wouldn't be able to get established.
Mold allergy should be taken seriously by everyone. There are many beneficial types of mold, that we use in many ways in our daily lives. But there are also plenty of molds that we really should not be breathing in, and unfortunately some of these molds find their way into our homes. It is important to locate the source of the mold, stop the moisture from reoccurring, and remove the mold effectively. Then, keep an air purifier running, in order to filter out all the spores that remain in the air. Within a very short period of time, with these steps taken, anyone suffering from a mold allergy will start to feel much better and be able to breathe easier.