Identifying a Mold Allergy

A mold allergy can seem at first like a harmless cold but it one that never seems to clear up completely. If you find that you are allergic to mold then it is time to get some mold allergy relief and be rid of all your annoying symptoms. You can experience this allergy both indoors and outdoors.

Just as people with pollen allergies experience their allergies during a certain period of time during the year, there is a particular time of the year when your mold allergies will really act up. However it is possible to suffer from a mold allergy all year round.

Mold allergy symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of pollen allergy. An allergic reaction to mold might also be mistaken for a cold. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, dry scaly skin, and in serious cases can cause asthma attacks.

You might mistake a mold allergy for hay fever but a good indicator that you are suffering from an allergic reaction to mold is if the symptoms get worse in a damp, moldy area. The symptoms are not always immediate, but if you suffer from the symptoms after being exposed to a damp area, such as a basement, then you are most likely suffering from mold allergies.

You may be more vulnerable to a mold allergy if you already suffer from allergies to pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and other spores. You may also develop this allergy after constant exposure to spores. Some occupations such as working in a mill, bakery, carpentry, working in winery may increase your chances of developing this allergy.

If you are allergic to mold your doctor can perform a skin test, the skin is scratched or pricked with different types of fungi extracts. A skin test along with a medical history and physical examination will help your doctor diagnose a mold allergy.

Once you have been diagnosed with a mold allergy you will most likely be prescribed medication to treat the symptoms. You cannot cure an allergy so the best way to avoid experiencing the symptoms is to avoid contact with mold spores. If you experience the mold allergy at home then it is time to find the cause of your symptoms and have your home cleaned of any mold spores. You might need a professional to do this to avoid exacerbating your allergic reaction and to thoroughly clean your home.