Mold is a microscopic organism that grows in the form of colonies. It’s everywhere, in soil and on plants. It can be found outside, but it also frequently thrives indoors. Mold spores are released into the air and carried by wind currents to settle on nearby surfaces, where they begin to grow and spread. If you have been exposed
Mold allergies can cause nasal congestion, sneezing, eye irritation and respiratory issues like asthma or chronic bronchitis when you’re exposed to elevated levels of mold spores over time (as with using a humidifier). If you have any of these symptoms after being exposed to mold spores, talk to your primary care physician about treatment options. Some of the common mold exposure treatment options are discussed below:
Antifungal and antibacterial drugs
Antifungal drugs may help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and other lung problems caused by mold exposure. Antibacterial drugs may also be used to prevent infection caused by bacteria in the lungs (pneumonia).
Antihistamines and nasal sprays
Nasal sprays containing antihistamines may be used to treat runny nose, sneezing and other nasal symptoms associated with mold exposure. Antihistamines may also be taken by mouth for severe allergic reactions to mold or milder allergies that occur days after exposure to mold.
Steroids
Steroids are a type of medication used to reduce inflammation. Steroids can be taken as an oral medication, inhaled (breathed in) through a nebulizer, or injected into the body. Steroids are usually prescribed for short-term use during an acute allergic reaction or asthma attack. They should not be used for more than 4 weeks at a time without consulting a doctor first because they can cause serious side effects when used long term.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are a class of drugs that relax the airway muscles. They are typically used to treat asthma and COPD, both of which are conditions in which the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult for patients to breathe. Inhaled bronchodilators can be delivered directly into a patient’s lungs through an inhaler, or as an oral medication that is dissolved in liquid and inhaled via nebulizer or mist machine.
Nasal saline irrigation
This is a good treatment option for mold allergy sufferers because it can be used daily and will remove residual mold spores that may still be in your nasal passages. It’s safe to use in conjunction with other treatments, too. Nasal saline irrigation is a simple procedure in which water is poured into one nostril at a time by squeezing a rubber bulb attached to a tube or bulb syringe. The liquid flows out of the other nostril as it travels down into your throat, carrying mucus with it. The process is repeated several times over a period of 10 minutes or so until you have flushed out most of the mucus in your nose.
Conclusion
The treatment of mold exposure is highly dependent on the type of mold and where it is located. If you have been exposed to mold, consult a doctor immediately because some types can cause serious illness. The sooner you treat your exposure, the better. If you are unsure whether or not your symptoms are caused by a mold exposure, speak with your doctor about testing for airborne molds in your home while they evaluate what type of treatment will be most effective.
