General Information
- Mold is a fungus found both indoors and outdoors
- Outdoor mold are found on plants, rotting leaves, soil and wood, compost, sheds and garages - Outdoor molds are worse in the spring and fall
- Indoor molds grow in damp, warm, dark spaces such as basements and windows
Mold Allergy Symptoms
- People with mold allergies can have nose, eye and / or breathing symptoms
- Nasal symptoms include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, itching and post nasal drip (sensation that mucus is draining down the back of the throat)
- Eye symptoms include itchy, red, watery eyes
- Throat and ear symptoms include sore throat, hoarse voice, congestion or popping for the ears and itching of the throat or ears
- Asthma symptoms such as cough, wheeze (whistling noise), shortness of breath and chest tightness can become worse when around mold and you may need more medications

Avoidance and Environmental Control
- Keep windows closed during mold season especially on windy, humid days
- Avoid raking, cutting grass, playing in leaves and remove rotting material from around the home - Keep indoor humidity low with dehumidifier or use of air conditioner if possible
- Avoid damp basements and clean damp areas weekly with 1 part bleach 10 parts hot water
- Limit the number of plants in the home
- Clean air conditioners and dehumidifiers as directed by the manufacture to prevent mold
- Repair indoor water leaks and remove moldy or musty smelling objects
Treatment Options
- Discuss medication options with your doctor
- Saline rinse and sprays clean the inside of the nose
- Antihistamines such as cetirizine (Reactine), loratadine (Claritin), desloratadine (Aerius) and fexofenadine (Allergra) can be used alone or with a nasal spray
- Nasal steroid sprays such as mometasone furoate (Nasonex), ciclesonide (Omnaris) and fluticasone furoate (Avamys) decrease inflammation in the nose if used on a regular basis
- Nasal and oral decongestants are NOT recommended unless directed by your doctor
- Eye drops such as for olopatadine hydrochloride (Pataday) can be used as needed
- Montelukast (Singular) daily tablets
- Allergy shots / immunotherapy may be an option for certain patients. Discuss with your doctor to see if you are a candidate