Ever noticed black or green fungus-like growth on buildings or even in damp areas inside homes? This is mold, a type of fungal growth that forms in moist, dank areas.
Mold growth does not affect many people, but it can cause allergy in some and lead to a range of respiratory symptoms. People with underlying conditions, such as those with asthma, could experience more severe symptoms.
What is mold allergy?
Dr Sujatha Ramesh, consultant, pediatric allergy and immunology at Manipal Hospitals, Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore, says that mold allergy refers to the allergic reaction that some experience to mold spores or fungal spores.
“Molds are ubiquitous — they are all around,” she adds. “While most people don’t react [to molds], there are some who [do]. There are many different manifestations or reactions to mold.”
Dr Davinder Kundra, consultant pulmonologist, Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, New Delhi, says that when it comes to mold allergy, the main fungus which experts are concerned about is Aspergillus, a commonly found type of mold. “This fungus can lead to a spectrum of symptoms ranging from allergy to infection,” he adds. “It may lead to asthma exacerbation and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).” ABPA is a rare type of hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus.
Dr Ramesh says molds often thrive in damp, warm and humid conditions — especially in bathrooms, kitchens and poorly ventilated areas of houses. “So, if there are any cracks or leaks and rain damage, especially if the space is not well ventilated, you can see more mold growth,” she says. “Mold also has this characteristic musty odor.”
Common symptoms of mold allergy
Dr Kundra says inhaling mold spores can cause upper respiratory tract symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Eye irritation
- Watery eyes.
He adds that when these fungal spores reach the lungs, they may cause an allergic reaction in some people, such as those who have asthma. The symptoms seen in such instances include:
- Breathlessness
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness.
Dr Kundra says that in people who are immunocompromised, exposure to fungal spores could lead to fungal pneumonia, which causes fever, chest pains, etc.
Recalling a case from three years ago, Dr Kundra says, “A 40-year-old asthmatic woman from Delhi presented with repeated bouts of cough, breathlessness, wheezing and blood in the sputum, among other signs. Her sputum also appeared greyish.”
When doctors carried out a chest X-ray, followed by a CT scan and blood tests, they found that the woman had ABPA, which was causing repeated exacerbation of her asthma symptoms due to the mold in her home. The doctors then prescribed a long-term course of steroids along with inhalers to the woman. This was a rare diagnosis, Dr Kundra adds.
He says that once the diagnosis was official, the woman had to move to a new house. “Although she required a course of steroids as recently as last year, she has not needed it for the past six months,” Dr Kundra adds. “She is doing well now since the exposure [to the mold] was eliminated.”
How to find out if you are allergic to mold
Dr Ramesh says that a specialist is needed to correctly diagnose a mold allergy.
“In addition to looking at the medical history and taking a physical examination, the commonest and best way to diagnose a mold allergy is through a skin prick test,” she says. “It’s important for the allergist to choose the correct type of extract and be aware of what kind of molds you are testing for.”
How to protect your home from mold growth
Dr Kundra says ensuring that your living spaces are well ventilated and well-lit will help prevent the growth of mold. “Ensure there is no dampness in your living spaces; there shouldn’t be any seepage,” says Dr Kundra.
He mentions another precaution people should take. “There are also some people who are very fond of feeding birds,” says Dr Kundra. “What they should know is that the fur of these birds also carries fungal spores, and that long-time exposure to bird droppings which contains Aspergillus fungus spores can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Chronic exposure could meanwhile also lead to interstitial lung disease, which is also known as lung fibrosis.”
Dr Ramesh recommends repairing all cracks, leaks and water-damaged areas in the house. “Avoid using rugs — the fluffy rugs and carpets in bathrooms are prone to mold growth,” she cautions.
Experts recommend using exhaust fans in the bathroom and dehumidifiers indoors to keep out moisture. “Make sure that the filters of the air conditioner are frequently changed and any drip pans, which tend to have a lot of accumulated water, are cleaned regularly,” says Dr Ramesh. “If you’re using humidifiers, make sure they’re cleaned and dried out in between use.”
Molds are perennial, not seasonal
Molds are considered perineal allergens, so they are prevalent year-round, says Dr Ramesh. “However, one may notice more mold growth during the rainy season,” she adds. “They are also more common in coastal areas.”
Treating mold allergy
Dr Ramesh says that the treatment consists of using topical nasal steroids to get relief from symptoms and, in some cases, supportive treatment using nasal washes and antihistamines.
“For asthma, doctors may prescribe metered dose inhalers,” she adds. “These medications are of great help for dealing with the inflammation and for long-term management of asthma. [For the] long term, you can also undergo skin testing to find out the allergen. You can do immunotherapy as well for mold allergy. But most importantly, the patient should focus on preventing exposure and doing mold control indoors.”
Takeaways
While most people are not affected by mold, a type of fungal growth most commonly seen in damp areas in buildings and homes, exposure can cause a range of respiratory symptoms in some people who have mold allergy. In those with underlying conditions such as asthma, exposure to mold can cause an exacerbation of symptoms.
