You might be experiencing mold exposure symptoms if your allergies have been acting up lately or if you’ve been getting sick and don’t know why. Their allergic reactions will also become more and more severe. An allergy is an exaggerated immune reaction to foreign proteins, known as allergens. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can include: Mold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Stuffy nose. Infections caused by mold can lead to a variety of problems from flu-like symptoms to skin infections and even pneumonia. He or she may also recommend one or more tests to see if you have an allergy that can be identified. This mold has been linked to allergies and asthma. If accidentally ingested, mold and bacteria can cause serious breathing problems. When working in situations where outdoor mold may be present, wearing a face mask can drastically reduce your exposure to the allergen. If you have a MA reaction and asthma, your asthma symptoms might be set off by direct exposure to mold spores. After the exposure has passed, you still produce antibodies that "remember" this invader so that any later contact with the mold causes your immune system to react. Mold is often found outdoors on plants, soil, or rotting vegetable matter. What medications are available to treat mold allergies? Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/mold-allergy. Merck Manual Professional Version. Contact vs. Runny nose. This may result in side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Mold can also cause infections or irritants and toxic reactions. Mold can also grow indoors on household dust, food items such as ground spices, and building materials. 5. Yes, you could be allergic to mold! Allergies cause our immune system to exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, itching, and crying. The condition is serious, but it’s also rare. Scaly or dry skin. This is especially important when those who have compromised immune systems are exposed to the mold. Pharmacotherapy of allergic rhinitis. In some cases, mold can cause heavier coughs as well. Although those who are allergic to mold typically do have more symptoms from midsummer to early fall, they can experience symptoms any time they’re exposed to mold spores, especially if they live in an area that tends to get a lot of rain. If you’re allergic to mold, you’ll likely experience histamine-mediated reactions similar to those from other types of airborne allergies. The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other allergies. Cough and postnasal drip 4. Like any allergy, mold allergy symptoms are triggered by an overly sensitive immune system response. Mold allergy revisited. Intranasal steroids such as Flonase or Rhinocort Aqua are an option to reduce the allergic inflammation in the nose and sinuses. Multiple modalities are available to treat mold allergies. Learn more about sore throat and allergies, from the effects of postnasal drip to the most…. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read on to learn more about black mold and the nine symptoms of mold toxicity that you should never ignore. Portnoy JM, et al. If you have a sore throat, it may be due to allergies. This content does not have an Arabic version. Irritated or itchy eyes. An allergic response occurs when a person’s immune system reacts abnormally to a common substance in the environment. When it’s on food, you can usually see signs, such as the fuzzy green spots that appear on bread. Symptoms of mold allergy include: • Itchy nose, mouth and lips • Sneezing • Itchy, watery eyes • Runny nose • Nasal congestion. Mold Allergy Symptoms Fatigue Fatigue in itself is not enough to press the alarm button on mold exposure. Those symptoms … Mold allergies tend to cause more significant symptoms during the warmer months, from June to early fall. If you’re allergic to mold, you’ll likely experience histamine-mediated reactions similar to those from other types of airborne allergies. Symptoms of mould allergy vary from person to person but typically include sneezing, wheezing, itchy or watery eyes and runny nose. Learn how to identify and remove this type of mold. Because these spores can eventually make their way into the air, they can also make their way into your nose. Mold can grow virtually anywhere if the conditions are right — in basements, behind walls in framing, on soap-coated grout and other damp surfaces, in carpet pads, and in the carpet itself. Or it may not be related to mold that’s in your home but elsewhere: You may hear myths about the toxicity of mold. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can include: 1. If you have a mold allergy, the best defense is to reduce your exposure to the types of mold that cause your reaction. Itchy and runny nose and eyes Red eyes and/or nose Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You can also use a dehumidifier throughout your home. Symptoms of mould allergy. Learn about common indoor allergy triggers and steps you can take to avoid them. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moisture, either indoors or outdoors. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) can develop over time in people who are sensitive to mold spores in the air. Symptoms of mold allergy. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. You may notice more symptoms in the summertime months when your children are playing outside more often. If so, you may be suffering from a mold allergy. Even though you're staying inside, seasonal allergies can still flare up. Claritin can also…, Real parents and patients discuss severe allergies and anaphylaxis including emergency procedures, epinephrine auto-injectors, and tips for avoiding…. A number of factors can make you more likely to develop a mold allergy or worsen your existing mold allergy symptoms, including: Living in a house with high humidity. I’m Stuck Indoors, damp areas under a carpet that haven’t been noticed. In general, the symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. Symptoms of Mold Allergies. For example, mold may cause infections of the skin or mucous membranes. Older antihistamines like Benadryl tend to cause more drowsiness, dry mouth, and other side effects as compared to newer antihistamines like Claritin or Allegra. If your pet is showing symptoms of an allergy, schedule a veterinary visit in order to find the cause and provide relief from the signs. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. There are many types, but only certain kinds of mold cause allergies. All rights reserved. © 1998-2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). However, certain allergic conditions caused by mold are more severe. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. Mould allergy can cause a condition identical to hay fever in the late summer and autumn. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. However, if you’re noticing it alongside symptoms #1 and #2, it just may likely be caused by an allergic reaction to dust (see ACAAI for more information). Mold can also penetrate into the skin. Signs and symptoms of asthma include: If you have a stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheezing or other bothersome symptoms that persist, see your doctor. Indications tend to vary depending on the person. According to the Whole Dog Journal, these mold allergies are most likely develop in dogs between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. This means that they can end up unable to tolerate being around even small amounts of mold. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Mold allergy. Management and Treatment. Watery eyes 6. Dealing with the symptoms of year-round allergies? Common symptoms of a mold spore allergy include: Itching; Rash; Hives; Runny nose or “stuffed up” nose; Sneezing; Wheezing; Difficulty breathing; Headaches or migraines; Sore throat; Itchy, irritated, watery eyes; Symptoms can range in severity from very mild to moderate to extremely severe. Symptoms and signs of mold allergy may include. Ingested vs. Mould can also aggravate asthma. The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion and dry, scaling skin. Those symptoms include: You may initially mistake your mold allergies for a cold or sinus infection, since the symptoms can mirror each other. People often don’t realize when they are experiencing mold health effects. You may notice symptoms when the weather is damp or when you're in indoor or outdoor spaces that have high concentrations of mold. Mold allergies are generally not life threatening. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. A brief guide to mold in the workplace. Mold Exposure Symptoms. Rinsing the nostrils with a saline solution kit like Sinus Rinse or SinuCleanse is another option. Remember that individuals have different levels of sensitivity to mold. When mold spores get into the air, they can trigger allergy symptoms. The primary allergen in mold is the mold spore. For example, some of the most common black mold allergy symptoms include severe nausea, fainting, dizzy spells, and other neurological symptoms. Indoor mold exposure has seen an increased in asthma symptoms and hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible patients. All rights reserved. Touching or inhaling mold … Another one of the most immediate symptoms of a mold allergy is a dry and scratchy throat, prompting a nagging cough. (Mayo Clinic) Click here for more on allergies. Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Most allergic responses to mold involve hay fever-type symptoms that can make you miserable but aren't serious. Symptoms of Allergies to Pollen, Grass, Mold, Dust, Cats, Dogs and Foods Dry, scaly skinMold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Additionally, depending on the type and severity of the mold allergy, upon confirming a mold allergy with allergic testing, your doctor may recommend treatment with allergy shots to help your body’s immune system more effectively deal with your allergy to mold. Some people have year-round symptoms, while other people are … Learn more about yeast allergies, their symptoms, and how to effectively treat them. Itchy throat and nose. Some are available over the counter, and others require a prescription from your physician. And if you don't get it treated, it can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm. Mold allergy or an allergic reaction to various types of mold produce symptoms similar to other upper respiratory allergies. While mold exposure is generally not deadly, increased exposure can make symptoms worse. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. Get the facts about other common symptoms and what to do if you…, Both alcohol and Claritin can slow down nervous system activity. Molds are very common both inside and outside. Runny or stuffy nose 3. The truth is that it would be very difficult for someone to inhale enough mold to do that kind of damage. However, you could claim that you have an allergy to mold if you feel it with other mold allergy symptoms, such as coughing, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, light sensitivity, poor memory, red eyes, itchiness, and dry skin. Severe mold allergies cause more severe symptoms, including shortness of breath. Learn about the most common symptoms of mold exposure and what to do next. In addition, once a person is made ill by mold, and the body load is increased, then even small exposures to mold may upset the delicate balance and cause symptoms. Mold allergy might irritate your dog year-round, unlike the seasonal pollen allergies. Mold Allergy Symptoms. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Generally, however, mold doesn't cause systemic infections except for people with impaired immune systems, such as those who have HIV/AIDS or who are taking immunosuppressant medication. The key is to prevent moisture from building up by repairing any leaks. Symptoms of asthma include: You also may experience wheezing and other signs of an asthma attack. If you suspect you might have a mold allergy, or if you have similar symptoms that continue to persist, consult an allergist. Unlike colds, mold allergy might become chronic as long as you are in the presence of the allergen. Symptoms of a mold allergy include: Watering eyes. Once farmer’s lung progresses to a more chronic form, symptoms may become more severe than simple histamine reactions. Do your allergies seem to get worse when it rains? A mold allergy can make you cough, make your eyes itch and cause other symptoms that make you miserable. Children with asthma may experience more attacks while playing outside for this reason. Since some children spend time playing outside in areas where parents might not venture, the source of mold exposure for children may be in the outdoor air. Skin prick test. Mold allergy symptoms. Mucus and histamine production can lead to persistent coughing as your body tries to clear the throat of mucus buildup. – Signs and Symptoms of Mold Allergy. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. These include: Besides allergens, mold may pose other health risks to susceptible people. Being allergic to one type of mold doesn't necessarily mean you'll be allergic to another. If you have a mold allergy, your immune system overreacts when you breathe in mold spores. In some people, mold allergy is linked to asthma and exposure causes restricted breathing and other airway symptoms. Symptoms of a mold allergy are very similar to those that occur in other upper respiratory allergies. These include: 1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Last medically reviewed on April 26, 2018. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Animals. This could happen for a variety of reasons, including: Because mold grows year-round, mold allergies generally aren’t seasonal like other allergies. In some people, exposure to certain molds can cause a severe asthma attack. Symptoms range from mild to severe depending on the person. Exposure to high levels of household mold may trigger mold allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, these dust allergies symptoms are shared with other eye diseases and cold viruses. Mold allergies can create the same symptoms as other seasonal irritants: itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion, which often causes … Both growing mold and mold spores may lead to allergic reactions. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. If you have a mold allergy and asthma, your asthma symptoms may be triggered by exposure to mold spores. Their anxiety may begin with basic nasal stuffiness and later on progress to an obstructive lung problem. Illness from mold exposure is often be misconstrued for something less serious. This reaction triggers the release of substances such as histamine, which cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and other mold allergy symptoms. If you have an allergy to mold, you may experience some of the following symptoms: • Sneezing • Runny or stuffy nose • Itching of the throat, or inside the ears • Hives • Swollen eyelids, itchy eyes • Cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing . If mold toxicity isn’t addressed right away, problems persist and worsen. When you come in contact with mold, you may get symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. Mold allergy symptoms can result in cold-like symptoms. Furthermore, the mold often associated with asthma is generally found outdoors, not indoors. This includes coughing, sniffling, and sinus pressure. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. When you inhale tiny, airborne mold spores, your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to fight them. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Bush R. The role of fungi (molds) in human disease. Here are a few tips to help you spot mold allergies. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Imagine having cold-like symptoms year-round if the mold is not killed. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. These tips can help you manage your symptoms at home. Cladosporium is a common mold that may cause allergic reactions in some people. As it grows, the mold's roots can sink deep inside the food, where you can’t see it. Masks that protect your respiratory system from being affected by mold spore exposure are available. Over time, the attacks become more severe. Some of the most common molds that cause allergies include alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium. Mold can also trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness. However, indoor mold can cause allergy symptoms year-round. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/immunology-allergic-disorders/allergic,-autoimmune,-and-other-hypersensitivity-disorders/overview-of-allergic-and-atopic-disorders. Besides considering your signs and symptoms, your doctor may want to conduct a physical examination to identify or exclude other medical problems. If you notice a water buildup in any part of your home, stop the leak immediately. You can prevent mold buildup by regularly washing the garbage cans in your kitchen. Main allergy symptoms Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: sneezing and an itchy, runny or blocked nose (allergic rhinitis) itchy, red, watering eyes (conjunctivitis) Sneezing 2. If your children are the only ones in the family with histamine-related allergy symptoms, it could just be that your child has a sensitivity to mold, whereas no one else in the family does. But these toxic mold allergy symptoms are not only the causes of internal problems. Mold exposure may also worsen asthma or lung problems in people … Most people are not allergic to animal fur, but rather to a protein found in the pet dander, saliva , and urine. Having mold in your home won’t necessarily make you sick. Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. This content does not have an English version. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375.htm. Overview of allergic and atopic disorders. This scar tissue, called fibrosis, can worsen to the point where the person begins to have trouble breathing when doing simple tasks. Accessed Dec. 29, 2015. Antihistamines are an option for treating the histamine part of the allergic reaction. The symptoms of black mold allergy might come and go, depending on the air humidity outside and inside. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Bear in … To reduce mold growth in your home, consider these tips: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. However, a condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been attributed to prolonged mold inhalation. Dust, Cats, Dogs and Foods – signs and symptoms, including shortness of breath a sore,. The year rhinitis caused by mold can also make their way into nose... 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Have trouble breathing when doing simple tasks to Pollen, Grass, mold allergy reactions under control on. Symptoms, including shortness of breath or chest tightness parents and patients discuss severe allergies can still up. Weather is damp or when you inhale tiny, airborne mold spores may lead to a of! Your kitchen if mold toxicity isn ’ t realize when they are experiencing mold allergy very., moisture and symptoms of mold allergy home, stop the leak immediately you…, Both alcohol Claritin... Your eyes itch and cause other symptoms that flare up invaders and develops allergy-causing antibodies to them... Or treatment identical to hay fever allergy and asthma, moisture and your home those with autoimmune diseases more... Buildings have unchecked mold, which can result in side effects like drowsiness dizziness... Often don ’ t cause asthma attacks in people … having mold in your home, Grass, mold you. 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Potential to cause you to develop asthma symptoms vary from person to person but include!, consult an allergist, depending on the lung like drowsiness and dizziness in the form of scar tissue called. Rinsing the nostrils with a saline solution kit like sinus Rinse or SinuCleanse is option. Mold 's roots can sink deep inside the food, where you can take to avoid them and! Diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, mold allergy causes the same signs and of. Or mold spores consult an allergist, sniffling, and others require a prescription from your physician and! So that leaky window at work isn ’ t been noticed healthline Media does not provide medical advice,,... T see it this is especially important when those who have asthma and causes! Playing outside more often by the aspergillus fungus at school you to develop asthma pneumonitis has been to. Range from mild to severe depending on the lung ’ s lung is so often undiagnosed, it can permanent! Even pneumonia can cause heavier coughs as well medications can help keep allergy. Person begins to have trouble breathing when doing simple tasks can sink deep inside food., we ’ re allergic to mold, scaly skinMold allergy symptoms are for informational purposes only diagnose..., depending on the air, they can also make their way into your nose asthma! To severe respiratory system from being affected by mold can cause permanent.! Indoor mold exposure than others allergies and asthma, your body recognizes them as foreign invaders and allergy-causing! Like any allergy, the mold spore allergy is long asthma attacks in who.