Summer cold or mold allergy? While you may think you or your child just has a relentless cold, it may be something entirely different – an allergy to mold. Mold allergies produce the same symptoms as the common cold; however, they won’t go away with homemade chicken noodle soup.
A mold allergy does not mean that you are allergic to mold, rather to the spores or seeds. Often the symptoms for mold allergies reach their height in the summer, and then just never seem to go away – leading many to believe that they have a cold they can’t kick.
Mold thrives during the hot, damp summer months which is why we see more mold allergies during that time than any other. A nasal reaction is usually one of the first signs of an allergy to mold. The reaction could take the form of a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, or a postnasal drip.
If you feel as though a summer cold is hanging around a bit too long, make an appointment with an allergist to get tested for a mold allergy. There are two types of tests that can be done: a skin prick test, or a blood test.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for a mold allergy, but there are ways to reduce the symptoms. While simple over the counter drugs can relieve your pain, it is important to try and avoid mold whenever possible. Have a certified microbial investigator come check for mold in your home, and if necessary, have it removed as quickly as possible. Obviously you cannot avoid mold altogether, but removing it from your home is a huge leap in the right direction.
