General Information

  • Mold is a fungus found both indoors and outdoors
  • Outdoor mold are found on plants, rotting leaves, soil and wood, compost, sheds and garages - Outdoor molds are worse in the spring and fall
  • Indoor molds grow in damp, warm, dark spaces such as basements and windows

Mold Allergy Symptoms

  • People with mold allergies can have nose, eye and / or breathing symptoms
  • Nasal symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itching and post nasal drip (sensation that mucus is draining down the back of the throat)
  • Eye symptoms include itchy, red, watery eyes
  • Throat and ear symptoms include sore throat, hoarse voice, congestion or popping for the ears and itching of the throat or ears
  • Asthma symptoms such as cough, wheeze (whistling noise), shortness of breath and chest tightness can become worse when around mold and you may need more medications 

    Avoidance and Environmental Control

  • Keep windows closed during mold season especially on windy, humid days
  • Avoid raking, cutting grass, playing in leaves and remove rotting material from around the home - Keep indoor humidity low with dehumidifier or use of air conditioner if possible
  • Avoid damp basements and clean damp areas weekly with 1 part bleach 10 parts hot water
  • Limit the number of plants in the home
  • Clean air conditioners and dehumidifiers as directed by the manufacture to prevent mold
  • Repair indoor water leaks and remove moldy or musty smelling objects

Treatment Options

  • Discuss medication options with your doctor
  • Saline rinse and sprays clean the inside of the nose
  • Antihistamines such as cetirizine (Reactine), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Aerius) and fexofenadine (Allergra) can be used alone or with a nasal spray
  • Nasal steroid sprays such as mometasone furoate (Nasonex), ciclesonide (Omnaris) and fluticasone furoate (Avamys) decrease inflammation in the nose if used on a regular basis
  • Nasal and oral decongestants are NOT recommended unless directed by your doctor
  • Eye drops such as for olopatadine hydrochloride (Pataday) can be used as needed
  • Montelukast (Singular) daily tablets
  • Allergy shots / immunotherapy may be an option for certain patients. Discuss with your doctor to see if you are a candidate