For some, apart from urban pollution, dusts, pests, and plant’s pollens, the spores of certain types of fungi could also cause a hypersensitivity reaction. And the worst part is it can grow almost anywhere—even on a person. It may take several forms such as mold, dry rot, and mildew. They reproduce by producing spores—airborne microscopic particles that can survive all forms of environment that if inhaled, could touch off an allergic reaction that can contribute to asthma.

Mechanism of the allergic reaction

Among the thousands of types of molds, the ones capable of causing allergic reaction are:

• Alternaria—causes severe asthma
• Aspergillus—also causes aspergillosis
• Aureobasidium—found on paper & wood products
• Cladosporium—most common type
• Epicoccum—common in agricultural areas
• Fusarium—found on wilted plants
• Helmin thosporium—on tropical areas
• Mucor—damp areas are favorable for their growth
• Penicillium
• Rhizopus
• Yeast

Spores have tough outer coverings that protect them in extreme weather conditions such as during winter. Thus, the existence of mold/fungi allergies can occur all year round. When airborne, spores can count up to millions inhaled in every breath. The body launches its defense system upon identifying these spores as foreign particles. The allergic reaction affects the upper airways such as sneezing, nasal congestion, clear watery discharge from the nose, and itchy and watery eyes. However, some fungi cause an inflammatory reaction that reaches the airways and air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs as in Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis that result into asthma, shortness of breath, cough with bloody sputum, fever and body malaise.

What your Doctor can do for you

To diagnose for mold allergies, it is important for the allergist to determine the lifestyle practices and thorough medical history. Skin tests will confirm the diagnosis. This is done by a simple scratching, or injecting small amounts of the suspected allergen beneath the skin of the person. The size of the swelling would indicate if there is a positive reaction or none.

Allergies are treated based on the symptoms. The doctor will prescribe oral antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and corticosteroids. Epinephrine might be needed by people who have asthma exacerbations, especially children. Since mold spores are difficult to totally eradicate, the doctor might also suggest immunotherapy which can help in reducing the sensitivity of the person to the spores.

What you can do

The susceptibility to allergies runs in families. Some jobs are also at risk for developing allergies. Medications may help in symptomatic relief. However, the best way to control mold allergies is to remove any sources of molds indoors.

• Damp areas must be eradicated by the use of dehumidifiers. Update your air conditioning system with a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter that captures spores.
• Keep the windows and doors closed as much as possible
• Have the backs of the cabinets and under the sink checked regularly for fungal growth. Fix water leaks immediately.
• Get rid of the molds from houseplants.
• Discard all paper and wood products that are no longer used (e.g. old newspaper, old books) and even old clothing.
• Stay out of damp, dark areas like basements and attics where most of the fungi flourish.