Mould Allergy: Symptoms and Causes

Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, foggy window frames, fallen leaves, uncut grass, logs—can all be home to mould. Mould grows quickly in dark, damp places and can be found both indoors and outdoors. They release tiny, unseen particles called spores that float in the air. Mould spores can easily get in your eyes or nose—or you breathe them in to your lungs. And if you have a mould allergy, you may experience a reaction.

Common mould allergy symptoms

Mould allergy symptoms can be similar to many other respiratory allergy symptoms, which include:

Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Sneezing
Irritated eyes

Coughing
Wheezing
Itchy throat

In people with a mould allergy, breathing in spores can also cause asthma symptoms or aggravate an asthma attack.¹

While mould can cause symptoms year-round, they can spike during summer and autumn seasons depending on where you live.

Am I allergic?

You may be so used to dealing with your runny nose and watery eyes that you might not consider asking for help. But how do you know if your symptoms are caused by a mould allergy or not? Testing can help your healthcare professional determine what’s behind the endless sneezing and sniffles, so don’t try to manage the problem on your own.

A simple blood test—together with your medical history—can help identify underlying allergen triggers, if you have an allergy. And a blood test can be done even when you are taking antihistamines.² Knowing if you’re allergic and what you’re allergic to can help you, or a loved one, avoid or minimise symptoms.

Get answers

References

Baxi S, Phipatanakul W, Adolesc Med State Art Rev. 2010 Apr; 21(1): 57–ix.
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2011 September;78(9):585-592.

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