Allergies caused by Mold

Allergy to mold is caused by breathing the spores released by mold. Mold is found indoors and outdoors. Outdoor molds live on tree trunks and leaves, and indoor molds are found in warm, humid places like bathrooms and kitchens. The most common genera of molds that cause allergies are: Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium.

The symptoms range from mild to severe and are similar to those of hay fever: runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy nose, eyes, ears, and mouth, red, watery and swollen eyes, and even asthma. If the allergy is caused by indoor mold, the symptoms last all year. If caused by outdoor mold, the symptoms are seasonal, coinciding with wet seasons. As prevention it is recommended to eliminate sources of humidity, dehumidify, change air conditioning and boiler filters, ventilate in humid areas, and avoid exposure to the exterior in the most humid months. Diagnosis is made by skin prick testing or a blood test to detect IgE antibodies.

It is estimated that around 10% of people have a mold allergy and 5% show symptoms. In people with asthma, an estimated 80% are allergic to mold.