According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, symptoms of mold allergies are nearly identical to other allergy symptoms since the same immune system reactions are involved.
Mold allergies can be seasonal, depending on whether the person is allergic to outdoor or indoor mold spores. Indoor mold allergies are typically year round. Other reactions may occur only in summer, winter or particular locations, such as a damp room or basement.
Molds Common to Allergic Reaction
According to Allergyscape, there are only a few types of molds that are common allergens. The most common, found both indoors and outdoors, are called Alternaria and Cladosporium. Other frequent culprits include Helminthosporium and Epicoccum (southern U.S), Penicillium (often found in basements), Aspergillus (thrives in dry indoor conditions), and Mucor (black, often seen on bread).
Foods Containing Molds
According to Web MD, avoiding all exposure to molds is impossible, especially since many types of molds and fungi are used to alter food products before consumption. Reducing risk of reactions to them include avoiding common foods that may contain them. First, avoid smelling stored food to check if it’s still good to avoid inhaling spores. Second, avoid foods such as mushrooms, cheese, yeast (in breads), vinegar and dressings with vinegar, sour cream, sour milk, buttermilk, yogurt, meat or fish more than 24 hours old (including cured meats), breads and food made with yeast, sauerkraut, dried fruit, soy sauce, canned foods.
Common Allergic Reactions
Allergyscape also listed common allergic reactions such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nose, throat, or skin, hives, skin redness, dry skin, sinus pressure or congestion, tearing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing.
Less Common Allergic Reactions
According to Allergyscape, other allergic reactions include asthma, rhinitis, bronchitis (coughing), chronic bronchitis (long term lung infection), bleeding in the lungs, skin lesions, allergy dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis (such as eczema and psoriasis).
A few rare cases reported vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and chronic conditions similar to celiac disease (intestinal reactions). These are more related to ingesting foods which have become contaminated with mold or fungi spores. (CE please see notes)
Diseases Caused by Molds
In addition to allergic rhinitis, mold spores can be deposited onto the lining of the nose, throat, and lungs. This can cause hay fever symptoms. Other serious illnesses such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, asthma, and even chronic sinus and lung infections have been reported by the Mayo Clinic, Web MD, Asthma and Allergy Foundation, and Allerscape.
Reference
*Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America on Mold
* Mayo Clinic Mold Allergy Definition
* Allergyscape mold allergy identified, explained, & eliminated
Resource
* Web MD Mold Allergy Guide
I forget where I read it but thyroid diseases may also be attributed to mold. In 2007 my husband was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, my daughter (5 at the time) was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis and my son (4 then) was diagnosed with psoriasis, which has now become psoriatic arthritis. I also developed hypothyroidism. That is the same year that we discovered mold in our bathroom and kitchen walls. Because mold causes respiratory distress and pneumonia, which can cause an autoimmune reaction to people with a genetic predisposition, we were doomed and we didn’t even know it. We have been following your work as well as several others to help us to become chemical-free and a healthier household. Thank you so much for your work!
Black Mold is a major issue especially in Canadian cities. Before you undertake anything I suggest that you contact specialists. From my experience I can say that will save you time and money.