The Symptoms of Mold Allergies

It may be lurking in your basement … it might be hiding in your shower curtains … it could be inside your pillow … or under your bed! The monster is mold, and it’s a growing problem–and not just for people with mold allergies.

A Fungi Is Not a Fun Guy
Molds are microscopic fungi that produce spores, which help them reproduce. They differ in size, shape and color among species. Each spore can give rise to new mold growth, which in turn can produce millions of spores. That means that once mold has taken hold in your house, it can be very difficult to remove.

When you inhale the microscopic fungal spores created by mold, they sometimes get past the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract to reach the lungs. There are thousands of types of mold all around us. However, only a few dozen cause allergic reactions.

The Score on Spores
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), an estimated 10 percent of the U.S. population has fungal sensitivity. People with mold allergy experience the same symptoms of other respiratory allergies:

  • Sneezing, nasal congestion
  • Coughing, sore throat
  • Runny nose, postnasal drip
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Skin rash
  • Inflamed sinuses

Some people also experience allergy-related asthma, with symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. To diagnose an allergy to mold or fungi, your doctor will need a complete medical history. If mold allergy is suspected, your doctor often will do skin tests.

The Smell of a Sick House
If your home has a musty-smelling odor, you might have a mold problem. Mold appears anywhere moisture levels are high and ventilation is low, which means basements, kitchens, bathrooms–even your garage. Take a close look at the favorite hiding places for mold: house plants, the drip trays under your refrigerator, humidifiers, garbage cans, shower curtains, drains and around plumbing fixtures.

Can’t look inside? Take a whiff: Old upholstered furniture, foam rubber pillows, sleeping bags and mattresses are sometimes mold strongholds, especially if they’ve been in storage. Since your ability to smell mold decreases rapidly, it’s best to sniff for the stuff after you’ve been away for a while.

Mold can grow virtually anywhere if the conditions are right–behind walls, on the grout in bathtubs and showers, in carpet pads and in the carpet itself. New houses are not immune. In fact, drafty old houses can provide better ventilation than newer, more air-tight homes. When the weather allows, be sure to open your windows and let in some fresh air.

Learn More
The Basics of Good Ventilation
How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Home