Allergic Reactions to Mold

nMold is a common cause of allergy. There are thousands of types of molds and yeasts, however, only a small number of molds are widely recognized to cause allergic reactions.nnAllergic rhinitis can result when tiny fungal spores, or sometimes pieces of fungi is inhaled. These small, mold spores also can reach the lungs. A small number of people experience symptoms of mold allergy when eating certain foods such as cheeses processed with fungi. Mushrooms, dried fruits, and foods containing yeast, soy sauce, or vinegar will occasionally produce allergy symptoms.nnMolds are found wherever there is moisture, oxygen, and a source of the few other chemicals they need.nnWhere do molds grow?nn• In the fall, mold grows on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areasn• In gardens, mold can be found in compost piles and on certain grasses and weedsn• Molds can attach to grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and corn, which make farms, grain bins, and silos common placesn• Damp basements and closets in the homen• Bathrooms, especially shower stallsn• Places where fresh food is storedn• Refrigerator drip traysn• House plantsn• Air conditionersn• Humidifiersn• Garbage pailsn• Mattressesn• Upholstered furnituren• Old foam rubber pillowsn• Bakeriesn• Breweriesn• Barnsn• Dairiesn• Greenhousesn• Loggers, mill workers, carpenters, furniture repairers, and upholsterers often work in moldy environmentsnnWhat molds cause allergic reactions?nn• Alernaria and Cladosporium (Hormodendrum) are the molds most commonly found both indoors and outdoors in the United Statesn• Aspergillus, Penicillium, Helminthosporium, Epicoccum, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus and Aureobasidium (Pullularia) are also commonnnThere is no relationship between a respiratory allergy to the mold Penicillium and an allergy to the drug penicillin, which is made from mold.nnIs it helpful to know mold counts?nn• Mold counts probably cannot be used as a constant guide for daily activitiesnnMany common allergenic molds are of the dry spore type and release their spores during dry, windy weather. Other molds need high humidity, or dew to release their spores. Rain washes many larger spores out of the air; however, it also causes some smaller spores to be carried into the air. Dry spore types are usually released during daytime. Wet spore types are usually released at night.nnOther mold-related disorders include:nn• Aspergillus may cause different illnesses. Fungi may lodge in the airways or a distant part of the lung and grow until they form a compact sphere known as a “fungus ball.”n• In people with lung damage or serious underlying illnesses, Aspergillus may grasp the opportunity to invade the lungs or the whole body.n• In some people exposure to these fungi can lead to asthma or to a lung disease similar to severe inflammatory asthma called “allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.” This condition occurs in a small number of people with asthma. Corticosteroid drugs usually treat this reaction effectively. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is not helpful.nnSource: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesnnDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professionalnnnnThis article is FREE to publish with the resource box.nn