Mold Symptoms and Treatment

A woman cleans a moldy bath tub.

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Mold facts

  • Mold is a type of fungus.
  • Some types of mold are commonly known as mildew.
  • Mold may live indoors or outdoors and thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments.
  • Although shower stalls and basements are typical moist areas prone to the growth of molds, any moist area in the household may harbor mold.
  • Allergic reactions to mold are the most common health effects and risks of mold. Mold allergy symptoms and signs include
  • The best way to prevent mold in residential areas is the control of moisture.
  • There are no EPA or government standards that have been established for mold or mold spore levels in residential or commercial areas, so it is impossible to prove that a building or room complies with any health regulations concerning mold exposure.

Mold Exposure Treatment

What is the treatment for allergic reactions to indoor allergens?

Avoidance of identified indoor allergens can be very effective in controlling allergy symptoms. If such avoidance is not possible or incomplete, antihistamines are a common treatment for reactions to indoor allergens. These are medications that fight the effects of the histamine released during an allergic reaction by blocking the action of the histamine on the tissue.

The so-called first-generation antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimaton), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), brompheniramine (Dimetapp and others), clemastine fumarate (Tavist, Allerhist), and dexbrompheniramine (Drixoral).