How Mold Allergy Symptoms Develop

Many people would think that mold allergy is such a common thing since molds are everywhere and they do not choose a specific season to grow. Contrary to this belief, mold allergy is only caused by a few types of molds as opposed to their numerous kinds that grow in our environment. Just like any other allergens, exposure to molds triggers a reaction in the immune system, which leads to some adverse effects. This can be countered by avoiding these allergens, but molds are everywhere and it is hard not to come in contact with them.

When a person comes in contact with mold spores, the body's initial response is to produce antibodies, since they are recognized by the immune system as a foreign entity. Even after the exposure to the mold, the body continues to produce the antibodies. This is in anticipation of a future contact with the same allergens. When the body is finally exposed to the same mold spores again, the body's reaction is to release substances called "histamines" that cause the various allergic symptoms of the body.

Mold allergy symptoms are very similar with the other types of allergies that occur in the respiratory system. These symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion and inflammation of the sinuses. Apart from these, the person may also have watery eyes, and skins problems such as itching, dryness and scaling. It is possible for a person to experience the allergy for the rest of summer if it is caused by an outdoor mold or even through the entire year if it is caused by an indoor mold.

There are also cases when the mold spores deposit in the nose's lining. When this happens, it is possible for the person to experience symptoms of hay fever. Asthma may also be triggered if the mold spores reached the lungs, or worse, it can develop an illness called bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.