A mould allergy is when you have an allergic reaction to mould and mould spores. As with all allergic reactions, the way that you react to mould will be more extreme and could likely cause a rash, shortness of breath, itchiness, red or runny eyes, and other allergy symptoms. While nobody likes to be exposed to mould spores, people with mould allergies will be extra uncomfortable.
The best treatment option for mould allergies is to avoid mould at all costs. As long as you are not exposed to it, there is no chance of having an allergic reaction. However, because this is not always possible, depending on your surroundings, it is important to have other treatment strategies in place.
When applicable, immunotherapy is the best treatment for mould allergies. Immunotherapy consists of a series of shots that inject you with tiny amounts of the allergen to build up your immunity in the hopes that you overcome it. However, immunotherapy only works with certain types of mould allergies, which means it is not a cure-all.
If immunotherapy is not an option, medications are the best treatment for mould allergies. While medications cannot cure you of your condition, they can reduce your symptoms and protect you in case of mould exposure.
In most cases, nasal corticosteroids are the top medication used to treat mould allergies. Nasal corticosteroids are administered as a spray, and they help reduce inflammation in your respiratory system that happens when you are exposed to mould. Cyclesonide and budesonide are two of the most commonly prescribed nasal corticosteroid sprays.
While corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms, they do not treat symptoms directly. Therefore, if you need immediate symptom relief following exposure to mould, you may need an antihistamine, such as olopatadine, a prescription option, or loratadine, an over-the-counter option.
Nasal sprays and oral decongestants are two more options for immediate symptom relief following mould exposure. These options are available as over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications. However, because they can cause dangerous side effects, they are not typically recommended.
One of the most unwanted symptoms of mould allergies is that it produces excess mucus in your system. To combat this problem, you may need to take montelukast, a medication that blocks the development of leukotrienes which create mucus. Excess leukotrienes happen because of your immune system’s reaction to mould allergens.
While medications provide the most relief for mould allergies, they also have side effects, including the following.
Symptoms will vary from medication to medication and user to user.
In addition to avoiding known mould spores, you can also take precautions around your home to protect and reduce the chances of mould growth.
Although there is no cure for mould allergies, there are plenty of treatments that can manage your symptoms and protect you if you are exposed to mould. Additionally, if you avoid mould spores and take precautions around your home to prevent mould from growing, you do not have to worry about your mould allergy.