Information about mould allergy

Mould is a naturally occurring substance as it is an integral part of the outdoor environment and it plays a large role in the breakdown of leaves, wood, and other plant debris. Mould allergy occurs when an individual is exposed to microscopic fungal spores from mould. Since these spores are small, they can evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract, and consequently the lungs.

   

There are different types of mould; however, only certain types cause mould allergies. These include alternaria, aspergillus, clasdosporium, penicillium, helminthosporum, epicoccum, fusarium, and phoma, to mention a few.

Mould allergy occurs when an individual comes in contact with the mould spores, causing an immune response where the body thinks they are foreign invaders and develops an antibody to fight them. This causes the body to release histamines, which cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and other symptoms related to mould allergy. Even after the exposure has passed, the body will still continue to produce antibodies, which will remember the mould spores (invaders) the next time contact occurs.

Symptoms of mould allergy are similar to those which occur in other upper respiratory allergies. Common symptoms include:

·         Allergic Rhinitis

·         Sneezing

·         Runny nose

·         Nasal congestion

·         Itchy, watery and red eyes

·         Breathing difficulties

This is the best treatment for mould allergy. To help reduce symptoms of mould allergy drastically, avoid cutting grass, digging around plants or picking leaves. If you must do any of these activities, ensure you wear a dust mask.

Antihistamines, bronchodilators and corticosteroids are used to ease the symptoms of mould allergy as there is no sure way of curing mould allergy. Corticosteroids help prevent and treat inflammation and they are the most effective allergy medications for most people, and as such are usually prescribed first. Antihistamines help with itching, sneezing and runny nose, and work by blocking histamine which is released by the immune system during an allergy reaction.

Some prevention of mould allergy you can seek:

·         Keep damp areas such as bathrooms well ventilated

·         Refrigerators should be kept clean, watch out for mouldy food.

·         Avoid damp and musty buildings and where HAY is stored.

·         Avoid cutting grass, raking leaves and turning compost heaps.

·         Keep all bathroom surfaces clean.

·         Get rid of old foam pillows and mattresses.

·         Do not store clothing or shoes in damp cupboards; leave wardrobe doors ajar to ventilate the clothes.