Mold Allergy
This page covers mold allergy — Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and treats both children and adults across our New Jersey offices.
What Mold Allergy Is
Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp environments and releases spores into the air. When a person with mold allergy breathes in these spores, the immune system reacts to them as if they were harmful, which leads to allergy symptoms.
Mold spores are found both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, mold tends to grow in bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and anywhere moisture collects, such as around leaky pipes or windows. Outdoors, mold grows in soil, on fallen leaves, on compost, and on other decaying plant matter.
Outdoor mold spore levels often shift with the seasons and weather, while indoor mold can be present year-round wherever moisture is not controlled. This means a person with mold allergy may notice symptoms at different times depending on where the exposure is happening.
Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. evaluates and treats mold allergy in adults and children across our New Jersey offices.
Symptoms of Mold Allergy
Mold allergy can affect adults and children. Common symptoms include:
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Cough
Itchy eyes or throat
Asthma symptoms in individuals who are sensitive to mold
How We Diagnose It
Diagnosing mold allergy involves a combination of testing and discussion about your surroundings. We use these methods:
Allergy Skin Testing
Allergy skin testing can help identify whether mold is a trigger for your symptoms.
Blood Testing
Blood testing is another way we can check for a mold allergy, where appropriate.
Environmental History
We ask about your home, workplace, or school environment to understand where mold exposure may be occurring.
Managing Mold Exposure
Reducing exposure to mold at home and elsewhere can help manage symptoms. Steps include:
Reduce Indoor Moisture
Keeping indoor humidity low makes it harder for mold to grow in the first place.
Remove Visible Mold
Mold that is visible on surfaces should be cleaned or removed to reduce exposure.
Use HVAC Filters
Filters in your heating and cooling system can help reduce the amount of mold spores circulating indoors.
Use Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers help control moisture in areas of the home that tend to stay damp, such as basements.
Treatment Options
Treatment for mold allergy is tailored to the individual and may include:
Antihistamines and Decongestants
These medications can help relieve sneezing, congestion, and other nasal symptoms of mold allergy.
Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages related to mold allergy.
Immunotherapy, When Appropriate
For some patients, immunotherapy may be recommended as part of a treatment plan for mold allergy.
What to Bring to Your Visit
A little preparation makes your visit go smoothly.
Bring Your Insurance Card
Please bring your insurance card to your appointment.
Bring Any Required Referral
If your insurance plan requires a referral, please bring it with you.
Bring a Medication List
A list of the medications you currently take helps us understand your full picture.
Complete Forms in Advance
You can save time by completing your forms in advance from our Patient Forms page. Visit Patient Forms