Information on the causes of mold allergies and mold allergy symptoms.

What Are Mold Allergies?

Molds are fungi which grow in the presence of moisture. Molds or mold spores may cause allergic symptoms in people of all ages.

Diagnosing Mold Allergies

Molds usually cause reactions that people commonly recognize as allergies. Wheezing, itching of eyes, runny noses and sinus congestion are common. Some people develop hives, which are swollen, itchy, raised lesions on the skin. Other, less common symptoms may present in diverse ways.

What Causes Mold Allergies?

Mold allergies are caused by several different kinds of fungi. Some molds are visible, while others are not. All produce an allergic reaction as a result of a faulty response within the immune system. When a mold spore comes into contact with your body, several biochemical reactions occur which can produce uncomfortable symptoms.

Help for Mold Allergies

Your conventional or alternative health care provider may offer several options. He or she will ask you questions about your health, symptoms and what provokes symptoms. Allergy, blood, skin or muscle testing may be used to learn more about your allergy, or you may then be refered to an allergist for additional support.

Conventional practitioners may prescribe allergy shots or pharmaceuticals. While pharmaceuticals provide symptom relief, they do not necessarily get to the root of the problem.

More Information about Mold Allergies

The most important thing is to avoid exposure to molds. Molds are prevalent in the environment so you will not be able to avoid them completely. Common mold sources include:

• Moist areas of the home including the basement, kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms
• Hay and grass
• Rotting plant matter such as compost piles, fall leaves and rotting wood
• Certain foods such as blue cheese, and fermented foods such as natural sauerkraut
• Heating and air conditioning ducts