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How Do You Know if You’re At Risk?

If you suffer from allergies, you are probably aware of exactly what will trigger an attack. You work very hard to avoid these allergens mainly because you want to save yourself the discomfort and health complications associated with it.

However prudent they are with avoiding the things that cause their allergy attacks, not everyone who has allergies is aware of all their triggers.

The same is true of people who aren’t even aware that they are allergic to anything at all. They may find themselves having a serious medical reaction to a substance such as mold and have no idea why.

Who is Most At Risk?

There are certain individuals who are more at risk for developing complications when exposed to dangerous household mold. If you fall into one of these groups you need to be aware of your risk:

• People with allergies:

  Although this seems obvious, it’s important to consider how they are exposed to mold. People with allergies to dust will realize that mold may trigger an attack. However, what if you aren’t allergic to dust, are you safe around mold? The answer is surprising.

  Many people are allergic to mold that is ingested instead of inhaled. This means that for a person without a dust allergy they can have a serious reaction if they eat something containing mold. Foods such as mushrooms, dried fruits and soy sauce can cause this reaction.

• People with compromised immune systems:

  Our immune systems work to ward off illness and allergies. If a person has been through chemotherapy, is living with HIV or has an inherited autoimmune disease, they are more likely to react to being exposed to mold. Mold is a very strong allergen and for someone without their immune system to protect them, they can quickly develop complications.

• People with lung disease:

  Just as a person with a compromised immune system may be more prone to complications caused by mold, the same is true of those with an underlying lung problem. Mold, when breathed in, can become lodged within the lungs. For someone with a lung condition, this can lead to a worsening of their symptoms or in some cases infection.

Why Does It Matter?

Although household mold is not safe for anyone, it can lead to serious problems for a person who is at risk. Most people who are not allergy sufferers don’t consider the health complications that can occur when exposed to something like household mold.

They may step into their shower each day oblivious to the fact, that the mold that can be found there is causing them to fill ill. Even when they visit their physician they may not come away with the proper diagnosis because the doctor has no idea that mold is a problem.

It’s important to keep mold under control before it does cause a problem. Keeping your home free of excess moisture is a good start. Properly cleaning any mold build-up will also keep you and your family safer and healthier.

Further Recommended Reading :

• Identifying Dangerous Molds
• Is Black Mold Dangerous?

Joslyn from the Moldblogger Team

What Does Mold Exposure Cause?

Some of the complications that can result from an allergic person being exposed to mold are:

• Symptoms that resemble hay fever:

  Although all allergic people respond differently to various allergens, it is common for them to experience hay-fever like symptoms. These can include sneezing, a watery nose, and itchy eyes.

• An asthma attack:

  Many individuals who suffer with allergies also develop asthma. For someone who is sensitive to mold, being exposed to household mold can trigger an asthma attack, which can be not only uncomfortable but serious as well.

• Skin conditions:

  Most allergy symptoms are associated with breathing. However, many people experience serious skin reactions if they are exposed to household mold. Anything from a small red rash on one area of the skin to a sensation that the skin is burning are possible.

• Serious lung problems:

  Although rare, it is possible for an individual with allergies to develop serious lung problems. This resembles a severe case of asthma and is characterized by breathing problems, including wheezing and an increased level of mucus.

  If a person is not aware that they are in an environment that is ripe with household mold, their health problems may continually increase.
  

What Should You Do if you Have These Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your physician immediately. Make sure to explain that you have had exposure to mold, so that he or she may correctly diagnose the condition.

Further Recommended Reading :

• Symptoms of Mold Exposure
• Household Mold Allergies

Joslyn from the Moldblogger Team

Do You Have Allergies?

If you suffer with allergies, or know someone who does, you understand the importance of keeping their lives as allergen free as possible.

Although medications help with controlling the allergies, the best course of action is to avoid any substances that may trigger an allergy attack.

Allergens

One common allergen that many people have to deal with on a day-to-day basis is household mold.

Household mold can be found in many homes, offices and businesses and for the allergy sufferer it can mean hours of uncomfortable and even serious symptoms.

Household mold if not addressed can easily grow into a large problem. Mold spreads and if not removed, it can create an environment that is potentially life threatening to the person with allergies.

Most people who are living with allergies have a medication protocol that they follow.

They are prudent about following it mainly because they don’t want to be subjected to the serious complications that may occur if they are exposed to an allergen while unprotected.

What should I do?

Protecting themselves against the substances that cause their reactions is just as important as treating those reactions.

Therefore, it’s extremely important that a person who suffers from a household mold allergy be aware of where mold can exist and how to remove it.

After all, their health is the most important thing and keeping themselves safe must always be their top priority.

Discussing the complications of their mold allergy with their physician is a good first step.

In addition, removing the offending mold and being active in ensuring that the home remains mold free will make a safe environment to live in.

Your home shouldn’t make you ill and unfortunately, for people with household mold allergies this can be the case.

Further Recommended Reading :

• Exposure to Mold: Allergies
• 3 Easy Steps for Removing Mold

Joslyn from the MoldBlogger team

Are you Eating Moldy Food?

Molds are probably the leading cause of airborne allergies. Some of the most common symptoms of those that are sensitive to molds include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, cold and flu-like symptoms, rashes, conjunctivitis, inability to concentrate, and fatigue. Exposure to molds has also been associated with the onset of asthma.

-The Moldblogger Team

How Can I Combat Allergy Symptoms?

Those who spend far too much money and time on doctor bills and prescription medicines for their mold allergies should consider other options.

There are several, less expensive ways to combat allergy symptoms in the home. Herbs, foods, and other methods may be more convenient–and even more effective–than making an appointment with your doctor.

Herbs :

Certain herbs, both fresh from the garden and in the form of a supplemental pill, can help with allergies. Ginger, for instance, is an anti-inflammatory that causes glands and passages to reduce swelling.

This helps both with breathing, achy bodies, and swollen sinuses. Wild oregano, olive leaf extract, and garlic are all anti-fungal, killing off mold in the body, thereby cutting straight to the source, rather than dealing solely with symptoms.

Echinacea boosts the immune system, aiding the body’s ability to fight off mold.

Foods :

Yogurt containing live cultures fights off yeast in the body, which the mold feeds on. Oranges and tomatoes, as well as other foods containing large quantities of vitamin C, also help the body to fight off mold, as well as limit the symptoms.

Eating less sugar and wheat, which mold interacts with, creates a less appealing environment for mold, therefore stopping mold from completely overtaking the body.

Decongestants :

Vaporizers, vapor-rubs, saline solution, and other decongestants clear out sinuses, lungs, throat, and breathing passages. Boiling water and allowing the steam to envelop the face has much the same effect, especially if eucalyptus is added to the water.

Ice packs can be held to inflamed areas. This is even more effective when alternated with heat and steam against the same area. A de-humidifier is also useful, cleaning and stabilizing the air.

Painkillers :

Pau d’arco, a tropical tree from South America, can be all encompassing. It is generally taken as a concentration or an infusion, rather than a supplemental capsule.

Not only is it an anti-inflammatory, it is also a natural painkiller that kills fungi and increases the power of the immune system.

Of course, there are always the average painkillers and allergy medications that can be bought over the counter. It may be more appealing to swallow a pill, but natural remedies can be better for the body.

Medications can harm and hinder the body more than help, in the long run. If allergies cannot be made tolerable with either of these directions, however, it may be time to see a doctor or specialist.

Further Recommended Reading :

• Household Mold Allergies
• Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team

Where IS the Perfect Place to Live with Mold Allergies?

Mold allergy sufferers may spend their lives in search of the “perfect climate.” There are criteria when selecting a home based on environmental conditions, but unfortunately there is no true, universal answer.

Since there are so many types of people and so many varieties of mold, not to mention the fluctuating climate of any area throughout the seasons, it is virtually impossible to name one spot as the Utopia of all allergy victims.

That said, there is still some amount of hope. Allergy sufferers should always check the mold and pollen count of each season in any area before moving. They may be moving into a war zone.

It is good to be prepared for what lies ahead, especially if this enables them to choose a different new home.

Large Cities :

Large cities, such as Charleston, SC, and Houston, TX seem to be worse for those fleeing allergies. Charleston and Houston were number one and two of the top twenty-five cities in the US in 2001, according to a study released by Flonase.

It may be the pollution or the population, but no matter the reason, those who are subjected to allergies have found living in large cities to be miserable.

Conditions :

Warm, windy conditions are also distressing. Mold thrives on warmth, and travels by way of the breeze.

Those violently allergic to mold should stay away from this type of climate at all cost. Even those who are less allergic than others should avoid this.

Humidity :

Humidity, too, can be a mold’s friend and allergy victim’s enemy. Areas that are often moist promote mold growth, creating an environment unfriendly to most.

Those that live near water, such as the coast, and suffer from mold allergies, ought to consider moving inland. Those that are thinking about moving to the coast: don’t.

Coupled with heat and wind, this is a nightmare.

Seasons :

Almost all molds are dormant in the winter–but not all. A region that freezes more frequently or for longer periods of time than most would be ideal for allergies.

However, the Northwest United States is still uncomfortable for anyone bothered by mold. The fact remains that not many people long to spend their lives in a cold, arid location.

Some people do eventually find their own version of Utopia, and still more don’t. There is no right answer.

All anyone can do is keep a clean, dry home, and do their best to avoid situations that may cause an allergic attack.

Further Recommended Reading :

• Mold Allergies: At Home Remedies
• Exposure to Mold: Allergies

Joslyn from the MoldBlogger Team