What is mould allergy?

Mould allergy occurs when an individual is exposed to microscopic fungal spores from mould. Since these spores are small, they can evade the protective mechanisms of the nose and upper respiratory tract, and consequently the lungs.

Causes of Mould Allergy

There are different types of mould; however, only certain types cause mould allergies. These include alternaria, aspergillus, clasdosporium, penicillium, helminthosporum, epicoccum, fusarium, and phoma, to mention a few.

Mould allergy occurs when an individual comes in contact with the mould spores, causing an immune response where the body thinks they are foreign invaders and develops an antibody to fight them. This causes the body to release histamines, which cause itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing and other symptoms related to mould allergy. Even after the exposure has passed, the body will still continue to produce antibodies, which will remember the mould spores (invaders) the next time contact occurs.

Symptoms of Mould Allergy

Symptoms of mould allergy are similar to those which occur in other upper respiratory allergies.

Common symptoms include,

- Allergic Rhinitis
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery and red eyes
- Breathing difficulties
- Fatigue
- Weakness

Mould spores can deposit on the lining of the nose, consequently causing x² fever symptoms, and can also reach the lungs causing asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Treatment for Mould Allergy

Avoid contact with mould spores
This is the best treatment for mould allergy. To help reduce symptoms of mould allergy drastically, avoid cutting grass, digging around plants or picking leaves. If you must do any of these activities, ensure you wear a dust mask.

Medication
Antihistamines, bronchodilators and corticosteroids are used to ease the symptoms of mould allergy as there is no sure way of curing mould allergy. Corticosteroids help prevent and treat inflammation and they are the most effective allergy medications for most people, and as such are usually prescribed first. Antihistamines help with itching, sneezing and runny nose, and work by blocking histamine which is released by the immune system during an allergy reaction.

Immunotherapy
This involves administering a series of allergy shots to help eliminate some allergies. However, immunotherapy is only moderately effective against mould allergy.

Nasal Lavage
This is usually recommended to help with irritating nasal symptoms. It involves rinsing the nose with salt water and can be effective in relieving congestion.

Tips for Prevention

•  Keep damp areas such as bathrooms well ventilated
•  Refrigerators should be kept clean, watch out for mouldy food.
•  Avoid damp and musty buildings and where HAY is stored.
•  Avoid cutting grass, raking leaves and turning compost heaps.
•  Keep all bathroom surfaces clean.
•  Get rid of old foam pillows and mattresses.
•  Do not store clothing or shoes in damp cupboards; leave wardrobe doors ajar to ventilate the clothes.
•  Control indoor moisture by using a dehumidifier.
•  Reduce the amount of indoor house plants and ensure those present are free of mould on leaves and in potting soil.
•  Throw away or recycle old books, newspapers, clothing or bedding.

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