With the current COVID-19 coronavirus attracting most of the public’s attention, there are many other respiratory ailments that are not being considered. One of those ailments is seasonal allergies, and they can be confused with mold allergies. Here is how to tell the difference.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, as the name suggests, are typically associated with a season. They may be caused by flowers, trees, and grasses, which is why they have a seasonal pattern.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies include itchy eyes and mouth, a stuffy nose, coughing, and wheezing. A person may also get an allergic conjunctivitis that basically causes symptoms like an eye infection.
Treatment of seasonal allergies may include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid nose sprays. Seasonal allergies may vary from year to year. They may go away for a number of years and return later in life. Fluctuations in allergies are normal and expected.
Mold Allergies
A mold allergy is an overreaction of the immune system in response to mold exposure. The symptoms are often similar to seasonal allergies, and some of the treatments are similar. However, people who are allergic to mold spores can suffer more severe symptoms and the exacerbation of other illnesses. People with asthma may have increased wheezing, and those who are immunocompromised from chronic disease or acute illness may suffer severe declines in health and even death.
How to Tell the Difference Between Seasonal and Mold Allergies
It can be difficult to tell whether you have a mold allergy based on symptoms alone. One way to tell may be to note when symptoms worsen. Do they worsen when indoors or when outdoors and exposed to nature’s allergens? Lastly, do you spend a lot of time in a mold-friendly environment. Sometimes, identifying mold allergies is more about identifying mold problems.
What is a Mold-Friendly Environment?
A mold-friendly environment is one that is warm, moist, and still. If you have a leaky pipe somewhere or cracks in the foundation of your home, you may have a moisture problem. It is also common to have these problems in air conditioning units and attics. If you smell a musty odor in your home, it may be due to mold. Lastly, you can see some mold infestations, and they typically resemble some sort of discolored furry blotches on walls, window sills, and other surfaces.
If you feel you have a mold infestation and are suffering potential health consequences from that mold, contact a mold removal service immediately. Some mold infestations can be cleaned up by DIY efforts, but when it comes to health consequences, mold can be deadly. A professional mold removal service will remove your mold safely and entirely.