Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments. Outdoor molds grow on rotting wood, fallen leaves, grasses, grains, and compost piles. Inside, mold can be found in damp areas such as the bathroom and kitchen. Molds release spores that travel through the air, making them easy to inhale. You may develop a mold allergy if your immune system overreacts to the mold spores and sees them as harmful. Allergies to outdoor molds are typically worse in the summer and fall, while allergies to indoor molds typically last year-round.
Signs and Symptoms of A Mold Allergy
Mold allergies cause symptoms that are similar to seasonal allergies including:
- Sneezing, runny or congested nose
- Itchy nose, eyes or mouth
- Red, watery eyes
- Dry, itchy skin
- Coughing, or wheezing
Mold Allergy Testing and Treatment
Our team at Columbia Allergy recognizes that the symptoms associated with mold allergies can be challenging in daily life. Our specialists can perform allergy testing such as skin prick tests and intradermal tests to determine which specific molds are causing your symptoms.
They will then create an individualized treatment plan that may consist of ways to reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor molds, subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots), or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). You may also be a candidate for our ultrasound-guided intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) treatment in Fremont, California that can provide faster results!
If you are suffering from a mold allergy, call your nearest location or schedule an appointment online today!
