POLLEN COUNT
Mold allergies affect millions of people every year. These allergies are caused by mold spores, which are forms of airborne fungi that grow in warm, damp, dark areas both indoors and outdoors.
Some of the most common places where mold fungus can grow include bathroom cabinets, refrigerator shelves, a loaf of bread, and consistently damp spots outside. While mold allergies can be treated quickly, they may be completely prevented in the first place by discovering the cause of the allergic reaction and finding an effective method of prevention.
Symptoms of Mold Allergies
People react to mold differently, with various symptoms of an allergic reaction. The most common reactions are:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Consistent sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Itchy throat
- Coughing
- Postnasal drip
These symptoms may appear during certain times of the year for some people, while others may experience them year-round.
How to Prevent Growth of Mold
The best way to protect yourself from allergies is to prevent the development and growth of mold in and around your home. Below are several great ways to help prevent the growth of mold allergens around the house:
Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers help to remove mold spores and other airborne toxins from the rooms in your house, therefore helping to prevent you and your family from getting sick.
Keep Your Bathroom and Kitchen Clean
Mold is most commonly found in the bathroom and kitchen. Regularly deep-cleaning these areas prevents mold spores from growing, spreading, and getting into the air.
Keep Living Environments Cool and Dry
Mold thrives in a warm, damp environment, so keeping your home cool and dry helps to reduce the development and growth of mold.
Test Your Home for Mold
Hiring a professional to determine the mold levels in your home, and then to remove it, can reduce your exposure to mold and make you aware of the trouble spots in your home. In particular, keep an eye out for water damage.
Track Outdoor Mold Forecasts
It’s fairly easy to look online and find the outdoor mold counts for your area, or to find them in your local newspaper or on the local news. If you tend to have mold allergies, try to stay indoors as much as possible when the mold counts are high.
Throw Away Anything with Mold
Food, appliances, and furniture can all develop moldy areas. If you can throw it out, you should. If the source can’t be removed – such as an important piece of furniture – be sure to clean it or spray it with anti-fungal cleanser.
Use Mold-Inhibiting Paint
You can paint the interior walls of your house with special mold-inhibiting paint in order to help prevent future mold buildup.
Allergy Doctors in Oak Brook
Mold allergies can really put a damper on daily life. If you believe you may be suffering from mold allergies or any other type of allergy, be sure to visit an experienced physician who can help you get your allergies under control. Our skilled doctors at Oak Brook Allergists provide excellent and thorough care to our patients in Chicagoland, from diagnosis to treatment to management of your allergies.
Call us today at (630) 574-0460 or fill out our online appointment request form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you and helping you feel healthy – and enjoy breathing deeply every season.
