Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Black Mold and Mildew Damage

Molds are organisms that bind themselves to and eat their way through any organic matter. Basically, molds are spread when their spores are sent into the air, where they then multiply. The spores find and stick to any living substance, and if the conditions are perfect, they expand. Dark areas that provide lingering moisture or humidity are the ideal spaces for mold to grow. But, molds also have the ability to flourish in places that get light and are humid.
Allergies to mold are usually due to having been exposed to spores. The majority of sufferers will notice their allergies whenever molds put their spores out into the air. Allergy symptoms tend to peak when molds are most actively reproducing during the late autumn and spring. It is during these months when outside temperatures provide the conditions that molds need to release their spores. Some individuals have more frequent and more severe allergy symptoms when coming into contact with these spores than they do to the molds themselves. In this case, they are more likely to have a mold spore allergy than a mold allergy.

What constitutes the symptoms of an allergy to mold spores?
Fundamentally, the symptoms of a mold spore allergy are identical to symptoms of most allergies to mold. Some of the more common symptoms of mold spore allergy symptoms are stuffy nose, sneezing, post nasal drip, watery and itchy eyes, nasal congestion, slight coughing, constant need to clear the throat, and in some cases reduced hearing.
What Are the Treatments for Allergies to Mold Spores?
Mold spore allergy is often treated with medications and of course, through preventative measures. Antihistamines, both topical and systemic are often taken in conjunction with corticosteroids to reduce the allergy symptoms and inflammation. These drugs are able to block the histamine production in the body, thereby controlling the symptoms of mold spore allergy. Taking these medications may cause a few side effects but these are often mild and go away after a short period.
Being proactive about keeping allergies to mold spores at bay is necessary to keep allergic reactions from happening a lot. The allergy sufferer might want to have their house or apartment checked for an infestation of mold which may be more likely if the home is located in an area that has warm and humid weather.
Mold and mold spores can also often occur around leaky water pipes, and places in the home where standing water, or water damage is apparent so these areas should also be checked. The kitchen, basement, attic, and bathroom are other areas of the home that should be inspected for mold and kept clean and dry at all times.
Continual exposure to molds can be dangerous to those who have a mold spore allergy. Many molds are toxic, and exposure to these substances over time can create serious medical issues that can even be life-threatening.

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