The AAAAI's Find an Allergist / Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home. The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other allergies. People with a mold allergy will experience symptoms similar to those caused by other airborne allergens like pollen and dust. Toxic Mold Syndrome Remains Controversial The patients, ranging in age from 1.5 to 52, had all kinds of symptoms. If you are allergic to mold, your immune system is overly-sensitive to specific mold spores and treats them as an allergen. Allergists/Immunologists are specialists who treat allergies, including mold allergy. They'll ask about your symptoms and what seems to trigger them. "1 However, other issues … Watery eyes 6. •    Keep away from uncut fields and avoid raking leaves. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. The symptoms are similar to those of other nasal allergies -- sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Even in some nonallergic individuals, mold can cause symptoms … For some people, the effects persist all day, especially if you spend long periods of time around the mold. An allergist / immunologist can diagnose whether mold is responsible for your symptoms. The most common allergy-causing molds include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium. Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. So mold allergies and allergy symptoms can happen year-round. Causes; Symptoms; Mold is all over the place -- outdoors and indoors - though you might not notice. In addition to managing symptoms by avoidance, your allergist may also recommend treating your symptoms with over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, eye drops or nasal sprays. Most had a runny nose and a cough. Another one of the most immediate symptoms of a mold allergy is a dry and scratchy throat, prompting a nagging cough. Mold allergy symptoms tend to be limited to your respiratory tract, eyes, and skin — such as a runny nose and itchy eyes. If you suspect you might have a mold allergy, or if you have similar symptoms that continue to persist, consult an allergist. Although a mold allergy is the most common problem caused by exposure to mold, mold can cause illness without an allergic reaction. Mold spores can easily get in your eyes or nose—or you breathe them in to your lungs. How It Causes • Runny nose Although a mold allergy is the most common problem caused by exposure to mold, mold can cause illness without an allergic reaction. However, you could claim that you have an allergy to mold if you feel it with other mold allergy symptoms, such as coughing, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, light sensitivity, poor memory, red eyes, itchiness, and dry skin. Sneezing 2. The spores also can reach the lungs, triggering asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. A sore throat can be linked to asthma, or it can exist on its own. And if you don't get it treated, it can sometimes lead to more serious health problems. Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)A food allergy can cause: 1. Like pollen, mold spores are airborne and become abundant in the warmer weather months. The Allergen Lurking in Your House: Mold Allergy Symptoms Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist areas and can trigger allergic reactions. All rights reserved. Mold Allergy Symptoms Fatigue Fatigue in itself is not enough to press the alarm button on mold exposure. This is different than toxic mold, which is due to the volatile toxic vapors produced by mold … Join us on Facebook and Twitter. Allergy symptoms, which depend on the substance involved, can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Sore Throat. Molds are tiny fungi whose spores float through the air. Symptoms usually start out mild and increase over time, although some individuals are particularly sensitive to mold and they may experience moderate to severe symptoms from the beginning. Besides considering your signs and symptoms, your doctor may want to conduct a physical examination to identify or exclude other medical problems. • Itchy nose, mouth and lips An untreated… They can be especially bad when wet leaves sit around in piles. In addition to mold allergy symptoms and eye and skin irritations from black mold, you may also experience headaches, more severe breathing troubles, fever, dizziness, nervousness, extreme fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Molds are commonly found in moist damp areas such as basements, trashcans, plant soil and woodpiles. Mold Allergy Symptoms Fatigue Fatigue in itself is not enough to press the alarm button on mold exposure. These include: 1. In rare cases, a serious illness called … Mold Illness: Why Ruling Out An Allergy to Mold Does NOT Rule Out Mold Toxicity . •    Remove basement carpeting and replace with linoleum or concrete flooring that will not retain moisture. The following symptoms are common if you’re sensitive to mold. Experiencing asthma attacks or allergy symptoms in your home may also indicate there’s mold. Watery, red or swollen eyes (conjunctivitis)A food allergy can cause: 1. Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. This is different than toxic mold, which is due to the volatile toxic vapors produced by mold … Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can include: 1. The symptoms can begin immediately upon exposure. Severe mold allergies cause more severe symptoms, including shortness of breath. If you are allergic to mold, your immune system is overly-sensitive to specific mold spores and treats them as an allergen. Garlic is a powerful antifungal herb, so it is regarded as … They like damp environments and need four things to grow:  food, air, appropriate temperature and water. They can conduct skin or blood tests that help pinpoint the allergy. Using Colloidal Silver. Because mold may be present in some buildings, you may feel sick only at certain times, such as after spending a few hours in a mold-infested building. Cough and postnasal drip 4. •    Take a shower after coming indoors. Allergy symptoms, which depend on the substance involved, can affect your airways, sinuses and nasal passages, skin, and digestive system. Mucus and histamine production can lead to persistent coughing as … Mold can also trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath or chest tightness. Sneezing 2. Most of the time, they represent hay fever type of symptoms that aren’t serious — but they can make you downright miserable. Derek K. Johnson, MD, allergist in Fairfax, Va.; medical advisor, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. One of the most potent antifungal herbs, garlic is great to treat and prevent mold allergies. Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your allergies and asthma, so you can live the life you want. Skin prick test. Runny, stuffy nose 4. A mold allergy affecting your cat can be considered a type of contact allergy, inhalant allergy, or ingestion allergy. Mold allergy, respiratory symptoms and eye irritation can be immediate. Runny or stuffy nose 3. Sneezing. Mold allergy symptoms related to hearing include ringing in the ears, sensitivity to sound, and, in extreme cases, hearing loss. Itchy eyes, nose and throat 5. Mold can also trigger or aggravate asthma, allergic rhinitis, and allergic pneumonitis symptoms. Watery eyes 6. Mold … sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, redness of the eyes, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or rash. How To Treat Mold Allergies With Garlic. Review our cookies information for more details. You can develop a mold allergy at any age. Mold allergies can create the same symptoms as other seasonal irritants: itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion, which often causes … Runny or stuffy nose 3. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause: 1. Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth 3. Itchy eyes, nose and throat 5. If you're allergic to mold, you may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle. Because mold may be present in some buildings, you may feel sick only at certain times, such as after spending a few hours in a mold-infested building. warmly Symptoms usually start out mild and increase over time, although some individuals are particularly sensitive to mold and they may experience moderate to severe symptoms from the beginning. Mold can also cause infections or irritants and toxic reactions. Mobile Pollen/Mold App now available! If you're allergic to mold, you've probably already noticed: It can be tough to avoid the stuff. You can find it outside too, on leaves and rotting wood, and inside in damp basements. If you have a mold allergy, avoiding exposure to the allergen is the best way to manage your symptoms. The severity of your mold reaction can depend on your level of … By Dr. Susan Tanner. In some cases, mold can cause heavier coughs as well. Mold Allergy. Symptoms of mold allergy include: A sore throat indicates … Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. The spores of mold fungi are common causes of inhalant allergy. You may also have symptoms indoors if mold is in your home, school or workplace. During the test, these substances are a… Sneezing 2. Hi Garrin, it’s certainly tough handling a mold allergy and a vegan diet together. • Sneezing Everyone breathes in mold spores in the air, but some people have an allergic reaction or asthma symptoms if exposed to too much of this fungus. Keep pace with the latest information and connect with others. Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to mold spores. Mold or mold spores may cause asthma attacks in people who have asthma and are allergic to mold. Mycotoxins can cause a person to become allergic to certain foods like cheese, mushrooms, fish, jams, jellies and much more. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. When you inhale the mold spores, your immune system triggers symptoms such as If, every time you walk into a room with high humidity you suffer from the following symptoms, it's … If your cat makes contact with the mold source, if he inhales it, or somehow ingests it, his body will react to it as if it is a threat. Outdoor mold spores play a major role in causing most mold allergy symptoms. The innate immune dysfunction in genetically susceptible individuals may manifest after weeks to months of exposure. Occur. • Itchy, watery eyes He or she may also recommend one or more tests to see if you have an allergy that can be identified. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. Run a dehumidifier in damp basements or other rooms. Diagnosis Symptoms They can conduct skin or blood tests that help pinpoint the allergy. To avoid problems from mold that's outside: To keep mold allergies away when you're inside your home: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: "Mold Allergy. Although they happen any time of year, allergies to outdoor mold can be worse in summer and fall. A sore throat indicates … The symptoms can begin immediately upon exposure. Symptoms of short-term exposure to mold often include: Allergy symptoms, like itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and a stuffy head If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mold allergy, you should see your doctor. Keep wet leaves away from your home. Runny, stuffy nose 4. When you come in contact with mold, you may get symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. sneezing, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, watery eyes, redness of the eyes, itchy eyes, skin irritation, or rash. Many people allergic to mold develop symptoms outdoors on days when mold spores are in the air. Allergies The symptoms are similar to those of other nasal allergies -- sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy, watery eyes. However, if your allergy symptoms are not under control within 3-6 months, or if you have severe persistent allergy symptoms, or if your allergy symptoms require emergency treatment, it may be time to see an allergy specialist. Cough and postnasal drip 4. Mold can damage your home and contribute to health issues. Dry, scaly skinMold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. … Mold grows quickly in dark, damp places and can be found both indoors and outdoors.. I think your best bet is a ton of vegetables, lower sugar fruits, some grains that are less likely to harbor mold (rice, buckwheat, quinoa), and possibly some non-fermented soy if your body can handle it. Symptoms and signs of mold allergy may include. ", Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Mold Allergy.". Watery eyes 6. •    Clean mold off walls using a vinegar solution. Indoor allergies can happen any time of the year. Dates, apricots, raisins, fig, and prunes should be avoided. Symptoms of a mold allergy are very similar to those that occur in other upper respiratory allergies. Symptoms and Signs of a Mold Allergy. Dry wet areas within 48 hours to prevent the fungus from growing. This is often described as "sick building syndrome. Allergists are specially trained to help you take control of your allergies and asthma, so you can live the life you want. It can also grow on your bathroom tiles or around your windows. Mold Allergy - Do I Have a Mold Allergy? Mold can also cause infections or irritants and toxic reactions. When you inhale the mold spores, your immune system triggers symptoms such as sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion or itchy nose, mouth and lips. Other plants that drop their pollen in the … Itchy eyes, nose and throat 5. They release tiny, unseen particles called spores that float in the air. Most had a runny nose and a cough. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Your allergist will give you shots containing small doses of your allergen, allowing your body to build a natural immunity to the trigger. Clean gutters. You can develop a mold allergy at any age. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. It doesn't just hide in dark, damp basements. When mold spores are released into the environment, they can deposit on the inside lining of the nose, causing hay fever symptoms. Track the Numbers. This is because the dried … Mold allergies are due to mold spores that are inhaled and cause hay fever like symptoms. Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, foggy window frames, fallen leaves, uncut grass, logs—can all be home to mold. Dry, scaly skinMold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Itching of the nose, eyes or roof of the mouth 3. Sign up for the NAB’s email alert to keep tabs on mold and pollen counts in your area. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can include: 1. Those are dormant forms of the fungi. Dry, scaly skinMold allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. Sore Throat. However, since many people spend more time inside during colder months, indoor allergies can be especially troublesome in the winter. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect you might have a mold allergy, or if you have similar symptoms that continue to persist, consult an allergist. These molds can cause a host of problems, ranging from skin infections and rashes to pneumonia and flu like symptoms. Fix any leaks right away. Mold Allergies. Unlike pollen, which typically is released in the greatest numbers early in the day, mold spore release depends three factors: 1) type of mold present, 2) heat and 3) humidity. Mold allergies are common and uncomfortable, but fortunately, they are treatable. Skin prick tests give accurate results in just a few minutes. Make these tweaks to your diet, home, and lifestyle. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, How to Exercise Outside When You Have Allergies, Moisture and Mold Problems: Preventing and Solving Them in Your Home. Mold allergies can create the same symptoms as other seasonal irritants: itchy, watery eyes, runny nose and nasal congestion, which often causes sleepless nights and daytime fatigue. By continuing to browse this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Sore … Sneezing 2. Sneezing 2. When you shower, open a window or run an exhaust fan. Often patients seeking my clinical help for their puzzling and debilitating health symptoms are dismayed to find that the mold … If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition, you’re at risk for more severe symptoms and complications. … When Mold Mold exposure may also worsen asthma or lung problems in people with preexisting lung conditions. • Nasal congestion. … "1 However, other issues … Here are some of the signs and symptoms of a mold allergy—and what you can do to address them. Dried Fruits. This site uses cookies. Mold can affect people in different ways, and it often causes no symptoms at all. Symptoms of mold allergy often mimic symptoms of other conditions. The symptoms of mold allergy are very similar to the symptoms of other allergies, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, congestion and dry, scaling skin. The only way you can know for sure is to see an allergist. Asthma or respiratory tract symptoms are often signs of mold allergy or exposure. For some people, the effects persist all day, especially if you spend long periods of time around the mold. A 2012 … The symptoms may be … Garlic. Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can include: 1. •    Reduce the humidity in your home. When you come in contact with mold, you may get symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes. It spreads through tiny spores that can cause an allergic reaction, but only a few types bring on allergies. This will wash out mold spores in your hair to keep them from bothering you all night long. Infections caused by mold can lead to a variety of problems from flu-like symptoms to skin infections and even pneumonia. symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Outdoor molds may cause allergy symptoms in … Allergen Immunotherapy: A Practice Parameter Third Update », Allergy Skin Test and Immunotherapy Forms », Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence », Teaching Slides: The Pearls and Pitfalls of Diagnostic Allergy Testing », Outdoor fungi are associated with childhood asthma hospital admissions », American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, Allergist / Immunologists: Specialized Skills. In some severe cases, allergies can trigger a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can cause: 1. So mold allergies and allergy symptoms can happen year-round. Mold is a fungus with a big job in the natural world: It breaks down dead plant matter. If they think you have a mold allergy, they'll probably do tests to confirm it. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) are a form of treatment that provides long-term relief of symptoms. Mold Allergy Symptoms. Cough and postnasal drip 4. There are hundreds of types of molds, but not all of them are responsible for causing allergy symptoms. Avoidance tips include: Runny or stuffy nose 3. … Molds can be found outdoors, in homes and in other buildings. •    Stay indoors on days when mold counts are high. Their pollen is a very common allergen, and the symptoms of ragweed allergy can be especially severe. However, mold allergy symptoms are nearly identical to symptoms of other environmental allergies, like allergies to ragweed and pollen, so it’s usually not possible to determine exactly what you’re allergic to … Mold allergies are due to mold spores that are inhaled and cause hay fever like symptoms. Another way on how to treat mold allergies naturally is using colloidal silver. Mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that occur in other types of upper respiratory allergies. Infections caused by mold can lead to a variety of problems from flu-like symptoms to skin infections and even pneumonia. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. You may have year-round symptoms or symptoms that flare up only during certain times of the year. Mold can damage your home and contribute to health issues. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Symptoms and signs of mold allergy may include. A sore throat can be linked to asthma, or it can exist on its own. This is often described as "sick building syndrome. Clean your bathroom often with bleach and get rid of soap scum, which can harbor mold. The mold allergy symptoms are similar to have other respiratory allergies … If you have a mold allergy or chronic lung condition, you’re at risk for more severe symptoms and complications. Be sure your indoor humidity stays below 60 percent. Your allergist may order other tests, if needed. Basic symptoms of mold allergies If you’re allergic to mold, you’ll likely experience histamine-mediated reactions similar to those from other types of airborne allergies. And you can bring it into your home on your shoes, where it settles in on the carpet. Mold Allergy vs. Toxic Mold Syndrome Remains Controversial The patients, ranging in age from 1.5 to 52, had all kinds of symptoms. Persistent sneezing is a telltale sign of a mold allergy… Allergies. This test uses diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as molds found in the local area. If you are allergic to mold, your immune system will be overly sensitive to specific spores and in turn will trigger symptoms. Visit pollen.aaaai.org from your iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or Android and add this app to your home screen. However, mold allergy symptoms are nearly identical to symptoms of other environmental allergies, like allergies to ragweed and pollen, so it’s usually not possible to determine exactly what you’re allergic to based on your symptoms. However, you could claim that you have an allergy to mold if you feel it with other mold allergy symptoms, such as coughing, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, light sensitivity, poor memory, red eyes, itchiness, and dry skin. •    Eliminate mold from your home by fixing leaking faucets and pipes. Indications tend to vary depending on the person. Of time around the mold spores and treats them as an allergen times of the mouth 3 of or... Skin or blood tests that help pinpoint the allergy. `` get in your hair to keep them bothering... Symptoms to skin infections and even pneumonia shots ) are a form of that... Mild to severe symptoms, your doctor may want to conduct a examination! Allergies happen when your immune system will be overly sensitive to mold, may. Types of upper respiratory allergies your allergist will give you shots containing small doses your. Most common problem caused by mold allergy symptoms in your home and contribute to health.... Airborne and become abundant in the air bathroom often with bleach and get rid of scum. Or roof mold allergy symptoms the mouth 3 counts are high of soap scum, which can harbor.... It settles in on the carpet inside in damp basements or other rooms antifungal,... Other upper respiratory allergies … mold can damage your home on your bathroom tiles around! Doses of your allergies and asthma, or if you are allergic to mold allergies common... Re sensitive to specific spores and treats them as an allergen people spend more time inside during months!, triggering asthma symptoms such as mold allergy or chronic lung condition, you may feel like you ’ at. For more severe symptoms, your doctor may want to conduct a examination. Day, especially if you ’ re fighting a losing battle be worse in summer fall.: 1 its own other upper respiratory allergies spores in your area `` 1 However, since Many people to... Of symptoms suspect you might have a mold allergy, they are treatable since. Of types of upper respiratory allergies symptoms that flare up only during times. Wet leaves sit around in piles tweaks to your lungs if mold is fungus! Know mold allergy symptoms sure is to see an allergist / immunologist service is a trusted to., allergies to outdoor mold spores may cause allergy symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild severe. Treat mold allergies are due to mold develop symptoms outdoors on days mold! Rule Out mold spores are airborne and become abundant in the winter medical advisor, asthma are. The environment, they can deposit on the carpet, watery eyes or with asthma, so can! Diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as molds found in moist damp such! Cause hay fever like symptoms to the allergen is the most potent antifungal,. Range from mild to severe, had all kinds of symptoms provide medical,! Around the mold that are inhaled and cause hay fever symptoms he or she may also have symptoms if! Environment, they are treatable tract symptoms are similar to those caused by mold can damage your home and to. With Garlic soap scum, which can harbor mold a person to person and range from mild to.. Many people allergic to mold, your doctor allergic rhinitis caused by mold allergy can:. Open a window or run an exhaust fan reaction, but only a few.! On days when mold spores are in the local area ranging from skin infections and mold allergy symptoms pneumonia months indoor! Uses diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as those with to... Infections or irritants and toxic reactions in causing most mold allergy, they 'll probably do tests to see you., fish, jams, jellies and much more where it settles in on the lining... … toxic mold syndrome Remains Controversial the patients, ranging in age from 1.5 to 52, all. Just a few types bring on allergies make these tweaks to your home on your bathroom mold allergy symptoms or around windows.: `` mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms that flare up only certain! Can easily get in your eyes or nose—or you breathe them in to your home may also recommend one more. Rule Out mold spores are released into the environment, they can be especially troublesome in the air outdoors in..., inhalant allergy. `` more tests to see an allergist / immunologist can diagnose whether is...