Mould Allergy
The Latest Health Extracts From The World Of Research Via The Web
Allergic individuals are often allergic to moulds in the environment including seasonal leaf moulds (alternaria and cladosporium) as well as moulds that can be indoors (e.g. Mould grows in indoor and outdoor areas that are warm, dark and/or moist. Molds reproduce and grow by sending tiny spores into the air. Inhaled spores cause allergy and asthma symptoms. 19
It is not the mould itself but the mould spores that cause allergic reactions. Mould spores are believed to be present in the air at greater quantities than any other substance. These tiny invisible spores are produced by moulds and fungi in large quantities. Spores are the mould’s system of reproduction. Moulds and fungi release their spores into the air to be carried towards other sources of food. Moulds do not produce chloroform and therefore need to live off other matter. They thrive on any decaying substance, fallen leaves, fruit, grass, soil and plants. Indoors they can live on any decaying matter and can grow in carpets, old furniture, on walls, in cupboards and on wood. They will live anywhere where there is enough moisture to support them and of course the British climate is ideal for their proliferation. 1
Conclusions: Even in this desert environment, sensitization to moulds is quite common among patients with allergic respiratory diseases, with a striking preponderance among children with asthma. Mould allergy could also be an important factor determining asthma severity in this environment. 31
While there may be no obvious visible mould, many people are allergic to the moulds in the air they breathe. Moulds are very small particles in the air, (0.3 microns) and together with dust and other items, they are impossible to filter out as they pass through the filters and redistribute themselves unless the latter are constantly cleaned. 2
“The common symptoms of mould allergy include allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, eustachian tube obstruction, itching of the nose or eyes, fatigue, and weakness. Mould spores can enter the lungs causing asthma, a build-up of mucus, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Dermatological and intestinal symptoms are also well documented. Cerebral symptoms can include: catatonic state, depression, crying, anger, confusion, fear, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, hostility, inability to concentrate, headaches, and hyperactivity”. Moulds are also instrumental in the feeding cycle of dust mites, aiding the proliferation of the mites within the house. 1
Cladosporium is one of the moulds most widely studied, which most often produces positive skin test reactions in allergic individuals. In a study of 1300 asthmatic children from Finland, 7.1% had positive (3+) SPT reactions to Cladosporium, being the most common mould allergen causing symptoms in that study. 25
The most important place to start is inside the house. It is important to tackle damp areas and if possible eliminate moisture in places where mould is likely to grow. 1
For the first three days, the mold counts inside the apartment hovered around 800 spores per cubic meter of air, compared with a normal range of 500 to 700 spores per cubic meter. But by day 14, the mold count had skyrocketed to 5,000 spores per cubic meter. 41
This is a condition that produces an allergy to the spores of the Aspergillus moulds. It is quite common in asthmatics, up to 2% of chronic asthmatics might get ABPA. ABPA is also common in cystic fibrosis patients, as they reach adolescence and adulthood. The symptoms are similar to those of asthma: intermittent episodes of feeling unwell, coughing and wheezing. Some patients cough up brown-coloured plugs of mucus. The diagnosis can be made by X-ray or by sputum, skin and blood tests. In the long term ABPA can lead to permanent lung damage (fibrosis) if left untreated. 25
Allergic people should avoid cutting grass and especially old grass cuttings. They should not rake leaves and must wear a mask over their nose and mouth if they have to carry out these activities. Mould spores are most prevalent on dry and windy days. Avoid exposure to soil, compost piles, sandboxes, hay, vines and barns. Feed stores on farms are full of moulds. Correct water drainage problems near the house as pooled water increases mould formation. Avoid camping or walking in forests or densely vegetated areas especially during autumn and winter months when there are a lot of dead leaves on the ground. 4
A mould allergy sufferer may notice major changes in the way they feel and the bits that hurt when the weather changes for the worse, and be much better in hot dry climates. When it rains, the mould count rises with the damp, when there is a gale blowing, the moulds involved in decomposing vegetable matter are thrown into the air. 2
Some air cleaners will remove the mould spores from the air. All the air purifiers sold at The Healthy House deal with mould spores in some form, however The Airfree air sterilsersare specifically designed to combat mould and reduces mould growth by up to 99%. 1
A pollen allergy which extends outside the specific pollen season is usually really a mould allergy. Also there is a tie-up with candida and yeast overgrowth problems in the intestines, and each will make the other worse, as all three organisms are from the mould family. 2
One of the more distressing symptoms is acute terror in mouldy houses and worst in the night, almost suggesting a haunting until one works out the real cause. The symptoms improve dramatically after a few hours away from the mouldy house, only to recur shortly after returning to the source of the problem, when the moulds are again inhaled through the lungs, which are a very efficient entry point into the body. 2
References
The Panacea offers these health-extracts to help people investigate health-related subjects in greater depth using the references given in each paragraph. Kindly note that these are current extracts from the web, meant for research, and that these are not meant to be medical advise. For all your health-related needs you must consult trained and licensed personnel.
Important posts in Allergies/Intolerances
comments
Leave a Reply