If there’s one thing Beaumont residents are familiar with, it’s humidity. For the 3% to 10% of people with mold allergies, that humidity can mean a rush of symptoms.[1]
Symptoms of a Mold Allergy
Mold allergies present similar symptoms to those of pollen allergies, including:
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
Asthma patients with a mold allergy are also more susceptible to asthma attacks when exposed to mold.
How Humidity Affects Mold Allergies
There’s nothing mold loves quite as much as a damp environment. For example, you might’ve noticed that mold growth is more common in your kitchen, bathroom and basement than it is in your bedroom or living room. Unfortunately, mold’s relationship to humidity means that Texas residents with mold allergies have to work harder to control their exposure to the fungus.
Controlling Mold Exposure
This summer, especially during stormy weeks, take the following steps to limit mold growth in your home:
- Run a dehumidifier. Keep your home’s humidity between 30% and 50% by running a dehumidifier. Placing small dehumidifiers in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, and a larger one in the basement should be sufficient.
- Use exhaust fans. You should always use the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom during and after cooking or showering.
- Clean your home regularly. Clean your home, especially your bathroom, kitchen and basement, weekly to stop mold growth in its tracks. Using a mold & mildew cleaner in the bathroom is an excellent way to prevent shower mold.
- Wash your shower curtains. Shower curtains, especially fabric or doubled-up curtains, grow mold quickly and aggressively. Remove and wash your curtains at least once a month—more if you notice excess growth.
- Check your windows. Poorly sealed windows are common in old homes. If the windows aren’t properly sealed, they will let water in and pave the way for mold growth. Consider installing new windows if you can, or dry and clean your windows regularly.
- Make yard care a priority. Regularly clearing debris, mowing your yard and cleaning your gutters will help prevent outdoor mold from growing.
- Clean mold growth. Use household cleaners or white vinegar to remove mold growth. If your allergies are severe, wear an N95 mask, gloves, goggles and protective clothing or call a professional to do the work.
Humid months don’t need to come bundled with mold allergy symptoms. By following the above tips, you can enjoy symptom relief all summer long. For more information on managing your allergies, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today.
[1] López Couso, V. P., Tortajada-Girbés, M., Rodriguez Gil, D., Martínez Quesada, J., & Palacios Pelaez, R. (2021). Fungi Sensitization in Spain: Importance of the Alternaria alternata Species and Its Major Allergen Alt a 1 in the Allergenicity. Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland), 7(8), 631. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7080631
