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Allergy to Mold,
dander, dust
| Definition |
| A collection of symptoms that occur after exposure to mold, animal
dander, dust, or other substances in the environment that do not cause
symptoms for most people (see also asthma; allergic rhinitis). |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors |
Allergies are caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system, leading
to a misdirected immune response. The immune system normally protects
the body against harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and
toxins. Allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to substances
(allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause
an immune response.
Allergy to environmental particles is a type of allergic rhinitis (hay
fever). Hay fever usually involves an allergic reaction to pollen.
However, people may develop an allergic reaction to other particles in
the environment.
Many people are allergic to mold. Mold spores are carried in the air and
may be present all year long. Mold is most prevalent indoors in damp
locations and in swamp coolers, bathrooms, washrooms, fabrics, rugs,
stuffed animals, books, wallpaper, and other "organic"
materials. Outdoors, mold lives in the soil, on compost, and on damp
vegetation.
Dust is another common allergen. House dust contains microscopic
particles of pollen, mold, fibers from clothing and other fabrics,
detergents, and microscopic insects (mites). Mites, including small
fragments of dead mites, are the primary causes of dust allergy.
Many people are allergic to animals. Most people are not allergic to the
animal's fur or feathers. They are actually allergic to the small scales
of skin (dander) that the animal sheds. Some people are allergic to the
animal's saliva, particularly cats (whose saliva contains a protein
known to cause allergy). Saliva exposure occurs if the animal licks the
person. It may also occur from petting the animal after it has groomed
itself or by touching an object that the animal has recently licked or
chewed.
A few people develop allergies to other irritants in the environment,
including smoke, fumes from industries or cleaning products, tobacco,
powder (face powder, baby powder, and so on.), laundry detergents, and
other common substances.
When an allergen enters the body of a person with a sensitized immune
system, it triggers antibody production. Histamine and other chemicals
are released by body tissues as part of the immune response. This causes
itching, swelling of affected tissues, mucus production, muscle spasms,
hives and rashes, and other symptoms.
Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Most environmental
allergens contact the skin or are inhaled. Therefore, most symptoms
affect the skin or the breathing passages.
Many disorders are associated with, triggered, or worsened by allergies.
These include eczema, asthma, and many others.
Allergies are common. Heredity, environmental conditions, number and
type of exposures, emotional factors (stress and emotional upset can
increase the sensitivity of the immune system), and many other factors
can indicate a predisposition to allergies. |
| Prevention |
There is no known way to prevent allergies. Symptoms may sometimes be
prevented by avoiding known allergens.
Mold spores are everywhere. Minimize exposure by keeping rooms dry
(using a dehumidifier if necessary). Stay indoors during summer and
fall, when mold is most prevalent. Discard moldy or mildewed articles
(books, toys, shoes, and so on). Use synthetic fabrics for clothing and
household furnishings whenever possible. Disinfect bathrooms, basement
walls, and furniture with diluted bleach or other appropriate
disinfectant solution.
Dust exposure is minimized by frequent cleaning. Vacuum frequently,
preferably using a
small-pore filter to capture dust mites. Damp-mop and dust often.
Eliminate as many "dust catchers" as possible, including rugs,
bed ruffles or canopies, and curtains. Wash rugs, bedding, and furniture
coverings weekly if possible. Central heating and air-conditioning
systems may be helpful, particularly if they include special filters to
capture dust.
People who are allergic to animals may need to avoid keeping pets.
Frequent bathing and
grooming of the pet (preferably by someone who is not allergic to the
animal) may allow some people to keep their pet. Allergy to animals may
also include allergic reaction to wool, which may contain tiny amounts
of dander (skin scales).
Avoid other environmental irritants whenever possible. |
| Symptoms |
- runny nose (rhinitis)
- tearing, increased
- itching of the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
- clear thin watery mucus from nose, may appear suddenly
- sneezing
- sneezing fits (more than three sneezes in a row, happens
repeatedly)
- wheezing
- coughing
- difficulty breathing
- skin redness
- redness of the sclera (white of the eyes)
- hives
- skin rashes
- headaches
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| Signs and tests |
History is important in diagnosing allergies, including whether the
symptoms vary according to time of day or the season and possible
exposures such as having a pet in the household.
- Elevated antibody/immunoglobulin (particularly IgE) levels that
indicate allergic reaction.
- Complement levels may be abnormal.
Testing may reveal the specific allergen(s).
- Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This
may include intradermal, scratch, patch, or other tests.
- RAST
- Occasionally, the suspected allergen is dissolved and dropped onto
the lining of the lower eyelid (conjunctiva) as a means of testing
for allergies.
- Other testing to determine the specific allergen may include
various types of "use" or "elimination" tests
where suspected items are eliminated and/or introduced while the
person is observed for response to the substance.
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
- a WBC count
- a CBC
- immunoelectrophoresis - serum
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