WHAT IS A MOLD ALLERGY AND HOW CAN IT IMPACT YOUR HEALTH?
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. These growths typically form in damp or humid environments and spread with their pores.
The spores in mold function similarly to that of pollen in flowers. When it is inhaled by someone, it can cause a reaction in the nose that then transfers to other areas of the body.
An estimated 25 percent of people in the world who have allergies suffer from reactions to mold, according to American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).
The organization estimates that about 10 percent of Americans suffer from the allergy, but only half of them have severe reactions.
Minor symptoms for people allergic to mold include stuffy nose, watery eyes, itching, congestion and coughing.
If the allergic reaction is severe, symptoms can escalate to include shortness of breath, brain fog, headaches, asthma attacks and nausea.
Doctors recommend for people to limit their exposure to mold if they are experiencing severe symptoms.
If someone lives in an area where mold is expected, such as Hawaii, a doctor can prescribe allergy medication to limit the symptoms.