Molds Common to Allergic Reaction

According to Allergyscape there are only a few types of molds which cause 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 which may contain them. First, avoid smelling stored food to check if its 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. All molds produce nearly the same symptoms. The symptoms of mold allergies depneds on the individual and not the mold.

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.

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.

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.

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