How To Deal With Mould Allergies

CONTENTS

• Understanding mould allergies
• Identifying mould in your home
• Creating a mould-free home environment
• Air purification options for a healthier home
• Medical treatment options for mould allergies
• Lifestyle adjustments to alleviate mould allergy symptoms
• What to do when you see mould
• Frequently asked questions
• Get in touch

Experiencing symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes in your own home could indicate mould growth. It is an unsightly fungus that can grow in damp corners and silently affect your health. Although some may not react, it can be an allergy trigger. 

At ICE Cleaning, our mould removal services ensure the complete elimination of mould, where we extract the property of spores and discover the root cause to prevent its return. We assist you in mould prevention afterwards and can return where needed to remove any new growths.

Read on to learn practical tips to detect mould's presence, how to create a healthier living environment, and about effective cleaning techniques.

Understanding mould allergies

Mould allergies are a common issue triggered by exposure to mould spores in the environment. These tiny particles can be inhaled and cause allergic reactions.

The symptoms of mould allergies resemble those of other respiratory allergies: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, postnasal drip, itchy eyes and throat. Severe cases might lead to asthma attacks or chronic illnesses that affect the lungs.

While everyone is exposed to some amount of mould daily without harm, individuals with mould allergies have an immune system that overreacts when they breathe in the spores.

Those with a family history of allergies have a higher risk, as do people living in homes with high humidity levels or damp problems.

Diagnosing this condition involves skin tests or blood tests performed by medical professionals. Avoidance is the best strategy, but if you need more help managing your symptoms, talk to your GP or local pharmacist about medication options.

Identifying mould in your home

Detecting mould is not always a straightforward task. Knowing the signs of mould can help you to easily notice it. It typically appears as black, green or white spots on walls, ceilings, and other damp areas of your home.

Mould also gives off a musty smell you will quickly recognise once pointed out to you. Mould often grows behind furniture or inside cupboards - so do not forget to check these hidden spaces.

It is worth noting that some types of mould may not be visible at all; they might hide within wall cavities or underneath flooring panels. In such cases, consider getting help from mould cleaning services.

Creating a mould-free home environment

The key to creating a mould-free home is controlling the humidity levels and keeping it well-insulated to keep moisture at bay.

Maintaining good ventilation, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that are prone to damp, is essential. Opening windows or using exhaust fans can help reduce moisture build-up.

A dehumidifier can be a worthwhile investment to reduce indoor humidity levels and inhibit mould growth. These devices lower indoor humidity levels, making it harder for mould to grow.

However, not all solutions are complex or costly – sometimes simple changes make a big difference. Some changes you can make in your daily routine include:

• Drying clothes outside or in the tumble dryer
• Opening windows to ventilate a room
• Dusting regularly
• Cleaning products with anti-mould cleaners
• Keeping doors to bathrooms and kitchens closed during use

Air purification options for a healthier home

When dealing with mould allergies, air purifiers can be an excellent option. These devices work by trapping airborne allergens like mould spores and dust mites in filters, making the indoor environment healthier.

HEPA air purifiers

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers can capture 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. They can tackle mould spores effectively, often within this size range.

Ionic air purifiers

An alternative is Ionic air purifiers. They use ions to attract particles in the air, causing them to gain weight and drop onto a collection plate or stick to surfaces where they can be cleaned up.

Medical treatment options for mould allergies

When it comes to managing mould allergies, a variety of medical treatments can help. For relief from mould allergies, antihistamines and decongestants are available without a prescription but must be used responsibly.

These reduce the body's allergic response, alleviating symptoms like sneezing, runny nose or itching. If over-the-counter treatments are insufficient, your GP may suggest medications, such as corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers for inflammation and block allergy triggers.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, while leukotriene modifiers block chemicals that trigger allergies.

A longer-term solution could be immunotherapy – allergy shots designed to make you less sensitive to mould allergens. However, this solution is for those with life-threatening allergies or living with chronic illnesses like asthma.

You must always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication for mould allergies. Talk to a pharmacist or your GP for more information, and ensure you read and follow the instructions in the packet.

Lifestyle adjustments to alleviate mould allergy symptoms

Adjusting your lifestyle can make a big difference in managing mould allergy symptoms. It is about more than just keeping your home clean, it also involves taking care of yourself.

Dietary changes

Eating the right foods can help boost your immune system and reduce allergic reactions. Incorporating items containing Vitamin C, such as oranges or capsicums, could be advantageous due to their anti-inflammatory effects.

Maintaining regular exercise

Regular exercise is another effective way to strengthen your immune system against allergies. But, remember to exercise indoors when the outdoor mould spore count is high.

Adopt healthy habits

Not only are diet and exercise vital but also getting a good night's sleep and keeping stress levels down. A healthy lifestyle is indispensable for maintaining a strong immunity, enabling us to resist potential allergens.

What to do when you see mould

If you have spotted mould in your home and are having an allergic reaction, you must contact a mould cleaning company immediately. Mould experts can arrive on-site to test the strain of mould and create a tailored plan of action to eliminate it for good.

Mould removal companies utilise leading technology and solutions that effectively remove mould, and they offer advice to help prevent its return in the future.

Frequently asked questions

How do you treat mould allergy?

To deal with a mould allergy, first eliminate the mould. Then, consider over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines or nasal sprays.

What are the symptoms of being allergic to mould?

Mould allergies might trigger sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Some people could also experience shortness of breath.

What antihistamines are good for mould allergy?

You should consult your GP or talk to your local pharmacist about what treatment might be best for you.

How do you desensitise a mould allergy?

You may reduce sensitivity to mould through allergen immunotherapy which involves regular injections under medical supervision.

Get in touch

At ICE Cleaning, we offer in-depth mould remediation services with a lifetime guarantee* that ensures mould will not return to your home. We are leading the way for top mould solutions in the UK, ensuring that all homes are safe again once we leave.

To learn more about our variety of solutions, get in touch with our team at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk. We can be on-site within a few hours of your first call in an emergency and can operate around the clock, 365 days a year to fulfil your needs.

*subject to advisories