Dorothy FarrarMold allergy
Mold allergy is an allergy to mold. Those affected are particularly sensitive to moulds of all kinds and suffer from respiratory problems and irritation after contact. In many cases, therapy provides a remedy.
What is a mold allergy?
A mold allergy is an allergy to mold. Basically, all people are sensitive to mold, but people with an allergy already suffer from complaints of all kinds when in contact with fungal spores, as they are found in every garden. Since molds and spores can be found almost everywhere, living with the allergy is particularly difficult. Fortunately, there are now various antiallergic drugs and holistic therapy methods that can alleviate the symptoms.
Causes
Mold allergies occur through contact with mold. The cause is the formation of mold in the apartment, which is favored by various factors. This leads to the formation of mould in damp rooms that are not sufficiently or poorly ventilated. Food residues can also contribute as organic material to the formation and proliferation of mold.In order for an allergic reaction to occur, the respiratory tract must come into contact with mold permanently or repeatedly. Only then is the fungus recognized by the immune system as foreign and it comes to the typical symptoms. Therefore, mainly people are affected who spend a longer period of time in poorly ventilated rooms or otherwise come into contact with mold.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of mold allergy:
A mold allergy manifests itself through a number of clear symptoms. The respiratory tract is particularly affected, which is why coughing and sometimes acute shortness of breath occurs. Runny nose and nasal congestion, as well as increased sneezing, also occur. In addition, the respiratory tract mucous and cause a strong malaise. In addition to the respiratory tract, the eyes are also affected.
There is redness, tearing, itching and similar symptoms. In the worst case, eczema occurs on the skin, which triggers severe itching. Finally, the digestive organs are also affected. Symptoms that occur frequently include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence up to diarrhea. The course of a mold allergy depends on the severity of the load and the period until treatment. If there is no reaction in time, there is a so-called floor change, in which the allergens enter the lower respiratory tract and trigger asthma there, for example.
Diagnosis
If there are mentioned symptoms, a doctor must be consulted. This can clearly diagnose the mold allergy. First, he carries out an anamnesis, within which he determines, among other things, where and when the symptoms occur, how severe the symptoms are and whether there are differences between the times of day and seasons. As an additional orientation, patients can keep a diary in which they note the symptoms and their occurrence.
After the interview, various test methods are used to narrow down the triggers. In the skin test, various allergens are applied to the skin in order to determine which substances the patient is allergic to. In the provocation test, the respiratory tract is directly confronted with the allergen to provoke a reaction. The blood test is usually performed to confirm or supplement an initial diagnosis.
treatment and therapy
Treating a mold allergy is difficult because many factors play a role. In addition to taking anti-allergic drugs, which is absolutely necessary, all locations that have an increased spore load should be avoided. Basements, compost heaps and damp bathrooms are particularly prone to mold. Ideally, the sources of mold in the household are remediated and the air is kept dry.
In addition to these measures, hyposensitization can also be carried out. The allergen is regularly injected under the skin, which is intended to get you used to the trigger. Such treatment often extends over several years and is not necessarily crowned with success. Finally, Antihistamines can be taken.
These help to control the symptoms, but do not lead to a proper cure. They can be taken in combination with other preparations and enable those affected to lead a largely symptom-free life. If secondary diseases such as asthma have already occurred as a result of the mold allergy, further measures must be taken.
Prevention
Mold allergy is difficult to prevent. In general, however, it makes sense to pay attention to hygiene in the household so that mold does not provide a breeding ground. Regular and correct ventilation is important to prevent moisture from settling in the walls and mold from forming. Measures against the formation of mold are an important part of prevention, which is why it can also make sense to compensate for structural defects and, for example, install new windows that make better ventilation possible.In addition to these measures, the immune system should be strengthened through a lot of exercise and a Healthy lifestyle . It is then more difficult for mold to penetrate the organism. Vaccination can also be used to combat certain fungi , although the triggers should always be eliminated.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.