Molds refer to various fungi that develop in filaments and form spores during reproduction. Mold spores are so tiny for your naked eyes to see, and they can survive in harsh and dry environments. It grows in warm, humid, and damp areas either outdoors or indoors. Here are some of the common mold types you are likely to find in your house.
• Cladosporium
• Aspergillus
• Alternaria
• Penicillium
Molds produce allergens that are sensitive to people. Other molds also produce toxic substances referred to as mycotoxins. The most common effect of mold exposure is allergic reactions which occur immediately after exposure or after some time. Here are some signs that you have a mold allergy.
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Red eyes
• Skin rash and irritation
If you have asthma, there are chances of having asthma attacks due to mold spores. Even if you are not allergic to mold, you might feel some irritation in your eyes. So, let’s find out the treatment for mold exposure.
Treatment for Mold Exposure
The best and surest treatment for mold exposure is avoiding it by all means. However, avoiding mold might be hard since the mold spores are microscopic. Here are some medications that can ease the mold exposure signs and symptoms.
Antihistamines
These are the medications that help to ease sneezing, runny nose, and itchy skin. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that your immune system releases after allergic reactions. What antihistamines do is block the histamine. Some OTC antihistamines include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. Some side effects of these drugs are dry mouth and drowsiness. If you visit your doctor, they might prescribe nasal sprays olopatadine and azelastine, which are bitter and can result in nasal dryness. Other antihistamines like clemastine may affect your school and work performance and make you tired.
Nasal Corticosteroids
These are nasal sprays that assist in preventing and treating inflammation caused by mold allergy. They tend to work for most people even though they are only taken when prescribed by the doctor. Nasal corticosteroid medications have side effects such as nasal dryness and nosebleeds. Some examples of nasal corticosteroids include the following.
• Ciclesonide
• Mometasone
• Fluticasone
• Budesonide
• Triamcinolone
Decongestant Nasal Sprays
They function by shrinking the swollen tissues and blood vessels in the nose. These medications include oxymetazoline. You should avoid using this drug for over three days since it can result in more severe congestion after withdrawal. Some other effects of decongestant nasal sprays are insomnia, headache, and nervousness.
Oral Decongestants
There are several decongestants that you can use orally. Some of them include Drixoral and Sudafed. In case you have hypertension (high blood pressure), you should avoid them since they raise your blood pressure. Other possible effects of these drugs include insomnia, heart-pounding, restlessness, anxiety, and loss of appetite.
Montelukast
Leukotrienes refer to immunity chemicals that lead to allergy symptoms like excess mucus. To block the leukotrienes from taking any action, you take a montelukast tablet. It is effective for allergic asthma treatment and mold allergy. You use this treatment if you cannot use nasal sprays or if your condition is mild.
Other Treatments
• Immunotherapy involves several shots that effectively treat certain forms of a mold reaction.
• Nasal lavage: If your nasal symptoms are irritating, the doctor may ask you to clean your nose using salty water every day. The water should be boiled, cooled, distilled, filtered, or sterile. This helps to free your nose from any irritants.
Home Remedies and Lifestyle
It would be best to take the following preventive measures to keep mold allergy at bay.
• When raking leaves, working round compost, or mowing your lawn, ensure you put on a dust mask over your mouth and nose to prevent mold spores exposure.
• To prevent outdoor mold from getting to you, ensure you close all the windows before sleeping. This is because, during the night, mold spores concentration tends to be higher.
• Watch out the times you go outdoors. For instance, if the weather is damp and foggy or after a rainstorm, the mold count tends to be high, making it inappropriate to go out.
Visit the Specialists
If you suspect that the symptoms you are experiencing are due to mold exposure, it is important to contact our specialists in Birmingham. We will help you in diagnosing and treating any form of mold allergy. Contact our doctors today and get help with your condition. Call us today at 205-352-9141.
