Mold allergy

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Tests and diagnosis

Complications Treatments and drugs Prevention Lifestyle and home remedies Coping and support

Definition

Mold allergy is less common than you'd think, given the thousands of types of mold in the environment. Out of all those types, though, only a few dozen cause an allergic reaction.

Because molds, or fungi, grow in all kinds of weather and thrive indoors and outside, mold allergy doesn't always have a defined season like pollen allergy does — although several outdoor molds are most highly concentrated from spring to late fall.

If you have asthma caused by mold allergy, the best defense is to avoid sources of mold spores — airborne seeds you can easily inhale. Completely avoiding a substance as common as mold may be difficult, though. Fortunately, asthma and allergy medications can relieve the symptoms of mold allergy.

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Symptoms