Mold Allergy

If you have Mold Allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. Mold spores are in your environment year round. Fresh air contains more mold spores than pollen. The higher the humidity the higher the mold counts.

When molds or fungi reproduces it sends tremendous numbers of spores into the air similar to plants releasing pollen into the air for reproductive purposes. Mold spores are microscopic in size and easily become airborne and will travel throughout the central air and heading system. If you are allergic to mold spores then whey come into contact with the skin or are inhaled, they spores trigger an allergic reaction.

Molds and fungi like an environment that is dark, damp and has a good food supply. Molds and fungi live off of decomposing plant and animal material. You home can become a prime breading ground for mold and fungi. Most homes have a large quantity of decomposing plant material, its call wood. Add a little bit of moisture from the air, rain leaking into the walls, or from a leaky pipe and the inside of your walls become a prime breading area.

Other areas in the home that you should look for molds that are commonly overlooked are foam pillows, garbage cans, refrigerator door gaskets, refrigerator cooling coils, the drip pan under refrigerators, under sink cabinets, closets, storerooms, air conditioner units, washing machines, dryer vents, and carpets.

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headaches, congestion in the lungs, hives, and itchy and watery eyes.

A few years back home were being built in the Southern United States that used foam board as insulation with no air spaces to let in air. This type of insulation can act as a wick for any water on the floor and as a result Black Mold started to grow. This type of mold is extremely toxic and can be deadly for mold allergy suffers. When Black Mold infests a building, mold spores are continuously releases into the air and will easily travel throughout the central air and heading system.

For anyone with a predisposition to being allergic to mold, a home infested with Black Mold can become a lethal environment. Killing all Black Mold in a home, once it is well established is next to impossible and the best solution is to remove your self from the toxic environment.

Treatment includes cleaning of all of the hot spots for mold activity mention previously. Use mold killing solution on bathroom tiles, shower curtains, shower stalls, around the bathtub and toilet tank and always use the exhaust fan to reduce the humidity levels when you are using the bathroom and kitchen.

Add mold inhibitor to paint and repaint the kitchen and all bathrooms. Never use a carpet in the bathroom. Tile or linoleum is easy to clean and will not trap water. Keeping the humidity below 40 percent will help to deter mold growth. Invest in a good quality dehumidifier for all rooms that are use most often.

Air cleaners can make a really big difference in the severity and frequency of allergy attacks. The central heating system should have an electrostatic air filter to distribute clean air through out the house. These electrostatic air filters trap microscopic allergens. Consider investing in a HEPA room air cleaner for all bedrooms and in the family room thus reducing reactions for Mold Allergy.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating the allergy symptoms such as Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Quercitin.

Vitamin E accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system. Vitamin E can be taken internally or applied as a lotion to the affected areas of the skin.

Aloe Vera will help rejuvenate and tone skin all over. A naturally cooling gel, the Aloe Vera botanical ingredients work together to stimulate the blood circulation and naturally soften the skin.

Quercitin is a well-known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation boost the immune system and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercitin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on allergies. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to allergies and how to treat them. Visit http://www.allergies-team.com