Mold, a common environmental allergen, can be found both indoors and outdoors. Exposure to mold can lead to various health issues, ranging from no reaction to allergic responses and exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
Common Mold Allergy Symptoms
Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms that include but are not limited to congestion, wheezing and redness or itchiness of the eyes and skin. Some people may experience an itching sensation in the eyes, nose or throat, cough, phlegm and postnasal drip, sneezing, congestion and a runny nose. These symptoms can occur immediately after exposure or may be delayed, making it difficult to link them to an allergic reaction.
People with asthma should be particularly careful, as an allergic response to mold can trigger asthma symptoms. These include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Rare Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Despite the perception that “toxic black mold” causes severe illness instantly, there’s no scientific evidence supporting this claim. However, allergic exposure to mold can cause a few rare symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, bloody cough, headache and fatigue. These could indicate rarer conditions associated with mold exposure, such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), fungal infection and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Individuals with chronic conditions like asthma or autoimmune disorders are at a higher risk of complications due to mold exposure.
Should you experience any common or rare allergy symptoms, you should see a doctor. A healthcare professional can help identify your allergens and provide suitable symptom management options, which may involve antihistamines or steroids.
For further inquiries about allergens or to schedule an allergy test, contact ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons.