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Exposure to these spores may cause allergy symptoms, as the spores sometimes trigger an immune response when people inhale them. Minimizing exposure to mold is the best way to avoid symptoms, but medications can also help. This article discusses mold and the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a mold allergy. It also outlines some health considerations and answers some common questions about mold allergies. To discover more evidence-based information and resources for asthma & allergies, visit our dedicated hub. What is mold Share on PinterestJonathan Knowles/Getty ImagesMold is a type of fungus that develops on organic matter that is either damp or rotting. There are different species of mold, which can grow indoors or outdoors. Mold spores are present in even the cleanest of environments, which means that everyone experiences exposure to mold at some point in their life. Although molds themselves are not toxic, certain types can be toxigenic. This means that they create spores or cell fragments that produce toxins. They can also produce inflammatory substances and allergens. Research indicates that mold or damp exposure in childhood can increase a person’s risk of developing asthma and allergies. People sometimes refer to mold as mildew. However, the terms are not interchangeable, as mildew only refers to specific types of mold, whereas mold is a more generic term. Mold allergy symptoms Mold can cause symptoms of allergy and asthma, although the exact symptoms vary slightly depending on the individual immune response. Common types of mold that may cause allergy symptoms include:AlternariaAspergillusPenicilliumCladosporium Allergy symptoms typically occur when mold spores get into a person’s nose or throat, whereas asthma symptoms occur when spores pass down into the lungs. In both cases, the immune system identifies the mold spores as allergens and responds accordingly by triggering symptoms. Mold allergy symptoms can include:sneezingitchiness in the eyes, mouth, nose, and lipswatery eyesrunny noseblocked nose Mold may also cause asthma symptoms, including:shortness of breathwheezingchest tightness Allergy symptoms from mold spores are most common from the start of summer to the start of fall, although they can occur at any point in the year. Causes of mold allergy The main cause of indoor mold is usually excessive dampness. The mold spreads to other areas through the spores it produces, which break off and travel through the air. As they land, they form new mold colonies, increasing the mold cover indoors. Molds are everywhere, but they thrive in moderate temperatures and damp environments, particularly when there is organic matter on which they can grow. Mold causes symptoms when people with a mold allergy inhale the spores, enabling them to enter the nose and throat. Mold allergy treatment It is not always possible to avoid sources of mold spores. However, if possible, minimizing exposure to mold is the best way to reduce symptoms. A person can avoid outdoor mold spores by checking mold counts within their local area and staying indoors on days when the counts are high. If they need to go out, showering afterward can remove mold spores from the hair and skin, which may reduce the likelihood of outdoor mold spores causing symptoms. Avoiding indoor mold spores can be more challenging, particularly if a person lives in a warm, damp environment. People can reduce dampness by fixing any pipe leaks or other causes of dampness as soon as they appear. A dehumidifier may be useful, as it is best to keep humidity levels below 60% if possible. Vinegar contains acidic properties that make it an effective cleaner when removing mold patches from walls. As well as avoiding mold, a person may take medications to manage a mold allergy. Antihistamines and corticosteroid medications, which are available over the counter, may help with allergy symptoms. A person should check with a healthcare professional before taking any new medication. If the symptoms persist, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy shots. These are regular injections that reduce allergy symptoms by exposing the body to small doses of the mold that is causing symptoms. This enables the immune system to build up a natural defense, which it applies when there is exposure to mold on a larger scale. Health considerations In some cases, mold exposure can cause severe reactions. For example, allergic alveolitis, which is a serious lung disease, may result from mold exposure and humidifiers containing spores. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is another severe lung condition that can occur after exposure to mold. Studies indicate that atopic diseases, including asthma and rhinitis, may develop following exposure to mold during the early years of childhood. Despite the potential for a severe reaction, known as anaphylaxis, this typically only occurs when a person has exposure to high amounts of mold or when humidifiers or air ducts have mold contamination, resulting in additional spores passing through the air. In previous years, there has been an emphasis on the toxicity of mold. However, more recent research suggests that the risks of mold inhalation typically decrease during the adolescent years. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:hivesswelling of the face or mouthwheezingfast, shallow breathinga fast heart rateclammy skinanxiety or confusiondizzinessvomitingblue or white lipsfainting or loss of consciousness If someone has these symptoms:Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.Stay with them until the emergency services arrive. Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one. Frequently asked questions Below are the answers to some of the most common questions about mold allergies. Is it possible to treat a mold allergy The best way to prevent symptoms is to avoid exposure to mold as far as possible. However, medications such as antihistamines and corticosteroids can help reduce the symptoms. What are the symptoms of mold exposure The symptoms of mold exposure may include:blocked nosewheezingred and itchy eyesitchy, discolored skin Do air purifiers help with mold Yes, research indicates that an indoor air purifier can help by reducing molds and bacteria in the air. Summary Mold is a fungal growth that can develop in indoor and outdoor spaces. It produces spores and cell fragments that travel through the air and form new colonies on damp and organic surfaces. There are many different types of mold. Some cause symptoms, but others do not. The main mold groups that can cause allergy symptoms are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Cladosporium. The visible mold colonies do not cause symptoms directly, but the spores they produce may carry toxins. These spores trigger an immune response in some people as they enter the nose and throat. This response is an allergic reaction. Avoiding mold as much as possible is the main way of avoiding mold allergy symptoms. However, this is not always possible, as mold spores are present in most environments. A doctor may recommend taking medication to manage allergy symptoms. The options may include antihistamines and corticosteroids or immunotherapy. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2022AllergyImmune System / VaccinesEnvironment / Water / Pollution 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Basic facts about mold and dampness. (2020).https://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htmIndoor environmental quality. (2022).https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/whatismold.htmlLee, J. H., et al. (2019). Assessment of air purifier on efficient removal of airborne bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, using single-chamber method.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7087645/Mold allergy. (2022).https://www.aafa.org/mold-allergy/Mold allergy. (n.d.).https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/mold-allergyPizzorno, J. (2016). Is mold toxicity really a problem for our patients? Part I - respiratory conditions.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4898283/Thacher, J. D., et al. (2016). Mold and dampness exposure and allergic outcomes from birth to adolescence: Data from the BAMSE cohort.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5434946/What is the difference between mold and mildew? (2021).https://www.epa.gov/mold/what-difference-between-mold-and-mildewFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Helen Millar on August 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat are the effects of black mold exposure? Black mold exposure is no more harmful than exposure to other forms of mold, but it may lead to health issues for certain people. Learn more here.READ MOREIs mold in your house a problem? What you need to knowMedically reviewed by Vincent J. Tavella DVM, MPH Mold can cause a lot of damage in the home, spreading across walls and eating away at wood and fabric. 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