Mold is a type of fungus that can grow essentially anywhere moisture is found. This includes bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and even cabinets under sinks if undetected leaks are present. Piles of uncut grass and dead leaves in the area surrounding one’s home may also be full of mold. There are many unlikely places in which this troublesome fungus is found, and a mold allergy can wreak havoc on humans if not diagnosed and treated.
In the United States, there are approximately 1,000 species of mold, many of which are impossible to see with the naked eye. As each microscopic mold spore becomes airborne, the fungus begins to proliferate, at which point even a small mold infestation in a person’s home or on his or her property can cause an allergic reaction. It is important to identify any removable areas of mold in the home or surrounding land to ensure the problem does not become chronic.
1. Runny Nose
Because most allergic reactions result in a runny nose, it is not uncommon for one to have this symptom if he or she is allergic to mold. However, because this symptom is associated with so many other allergies and common illnesses, such as sinusitis or a cold, many people do not immediately make the link between mold and a runny nose. A runny nose may come and go sporadically, or a person may find that he or she is wiping his or her nose continuously with seemingly no end in sight.
This symptom occurs because the human body reacts to allergies the same way it reacts to germs, and thus creates mucus in the sinus cavities to trap potentially harmful bacteria. However, in this case, the mucus is essentially building up for nothing, as it is an allergy rather than a sickness causing the symptom.
If a person’s nose runs continuously, it may also lead to constant soreness and chapped skin around the nostrils, as constant wiping with tissues can eventually irritate the person’s skin. This symptom is often the first one to manifest when a mold allergy is underway.
2. Post-Nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip is among the many common signs and symptoms of a mold allergy, and it should not be confused with a runny nose. Each day, glands in the linings of a person’s intestinal tract, stomach, airways, throat and nose produce defensive mucus. Most individuals are unaware of mucus production, as the amount created by the nose typically drips harmlessly down the back of one’s throat.
However, mold allergies sometimes lead to the production of an abnormally high amount of mucus or thicker than normal mucus, at which point it becomes quite noticeable. Some may exit the body through the nostrils, but it is referred to as post-nasal drip when it runs down the back of the throat.
3. Sneezing
Although sneezing accompanies most allergies, this can be a particularly troublesome symptom for those suffering from an allergy to mold. This is because sneezing from mold exposure can be more severe than the kind of sneezing seen with a common cold or simple hay fever. It is not uncommon for individuals with mold allergies to sneeze up to 20 times in a row, in what is sometimes referred to by allergists as a “sneezing fit.” Sinus headaches often follow, and one may also feel as if his or her throat is swollen and irritated for up to an hour after the episode.
4. Itchy Eyes
When a mold allergy is present, a person may experience itchy eyes. Even if they are not red or swollen, they may continuously itch whenever the person is in the presence of mold. There are several reasons for this symptom, including the initial allergic reaction to the mold. However, the microscopic mold spores themselves can easily make their way from the air to the person’s eyes, where they coagulate in the fluid surrounding the eyeball. This results in a grainy feeling that ultimately causes irritation. It is important to resist the temptation to scratch or rub one’s eyes if a mold allergy is present, as this only serves to exacerbate symptoms.
5. Puffy Eyes
Puffy eyes are a common symptom of most allergies and this symptom frequently occurs around the eyes. In severe cases, a person’s eyes may swell shut. This symptom may come and go or continuous swelling may be present. In some cases, the eyes of allergy sufferers become puffy within minutes of being exposed to mold spores. Puffy eyes can become significantly worse if one scratches or rubs them, and therefore these activities should be avoided. A cool cloth place across the closed eyelids may be helpful in reducing the severity of this symptom.
6. Coughing
It is not surprising that coughing is a symptom of a mold allergy. In most cases, the cough is chronic whenever the individual is in the presence of mold. This type of cough is the result of post-nasal drip or the actual mold spores irritating the lining of the lungs. Something referred to as an “asthmatic wheeze” may accompany the cough and mucus and phlegm may or may not be present. In some instances, those who are allergic to mold they find that a dry cough remains even when decongestants are taken to break up mucus.
7. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath is a less common symptom of a mold allergy, and usually emerges after a person has been exposed to mold for a significant length of time. This symptom may also occur in conjunction with an asthmatic wheeze and a tight feeling in one’s chest. If shortness of breath continues for more than a few minutes, it is in one’s best interest to seek the advice of a medical professional, even if he or she is aware of a mold allergy. Although this symptom is rarely life-threatening, it is always best to err on the side of caution.
8. Throat Irritation
In many cases involving mold allergies, a person may experience an irritated throat. Many individuals who suffer from mold allergies describe this symptom as similar to being continuously thirsty, even though they are drinking adequate amounts of water. It is also frequently described as a raw feeling in the throat and chest, somewhat like the kind one experiences when he or she has pneumonia or bronchitis. This symptom is typically the result of inhaling mold spores, the latter of which increase mucus production and post-nasal drip, ultimately causing throat irritation.
