Mold and Mold Allergies - What is it? What are the Symptoms (Part 1 of 2)

Mold: What is it, where does it come from and what are the symptoms of mold allergies?

Mold is a fungus commonly found in moist areas such as on logs, fallen leaves, in bathrooms and basements. Mold is potentially anywhere there is moisture or dampness. Mold, unlike plants and flowers, produce spores. These spores travel through the air and get inhaled in our lungs, similar to pollen, to create an allergic reaction causing mold allergies. These spores are not visible to the naked eye. They are very resilient and can survive in dry and harsh environments where mold can not grow. Traveling through air, mold spores land on a moist surfaces in humid environments enabling mold to grow. There are many different types of mold. Generally speaking, indoor and outdoor are the two most prominent when dealing with mold allergies.

Indoor mold is often referred to as mildew. This is a particular mold found in the home that is white or gray in color. It is commonly found growing in showers, under sinks, in drains, on drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, furniture, ducts, wallpaper and around plumbing pipes. Black mold which is greenish-black in color is also found indoors but is not as common. Indoor mold has the potential to cause health problems and can destroy surfaces and objects where it grows and spreads.

Outdoor mold is most common in damp, dark areas of decomposing plant life. It is often found growing on rotting logs, fallen leaves, grass and in piles of compost. Outdoor molds are not destroyed with the cold and frost in the fall and winter like pollen. Its growth just remains dormant until spring and summer when decomposing plant life is present and provides an area to grow.

Similar to most allergies, mold allergy symptoms include: sneezing, runny nose, itchy, swollen, irritated eyes and ears, hives, rash, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and worsening asthma symptoms. Individuals with mold allergies can have more symptoms and a higher degree and severity of symptoms based on their sensitivity to it, as well as the type of mold they are exposed to. An allergist or doctor can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to a mold allergy. Products like Allergena Mold help the immune system grow stronger and alleviates your mold allergy symptoms safely and effectively when taken daily in the presence of mold.

Next: Mold and Mold Allergies - Get Rid of Mold (Part 2 of 2)