Allergy - Mold Allergies

Mold is a type of fungus that grows on the surface of organic material such as food particles and living plants. The reproductive particles or seeds that these molds form are known as spores. The spores float in the air like pollen and are a cause for allergic reactions among many people. Molds grow where there is dampness or moisture in shady areas with availability of oxygen and enough food. They can be found both indoors and outdoors, in places like damp basements, bathrooms, air conditioners, garbage, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, wall ceilings, food storage areas, refrigerators, plants and soil. Since molds become air borne and are very small, they can be easily inhaled. When these molds are inhaled they cause allergic reactions in lots of people in the nose or upper respiratory track before reaching the lungs. Some people might also have allergic reactions by eating certain food items that contains the fungus. The symptoms of mold allergies vary in different individuals. Some of the symptoms include nasal congestion, cold and flu, coughing, irritation and itching in the eyes, nose or throat, red or swollen eyes, asthma, sinusitis, skin rashes, hay fever, mold allergies and lung infections. Molds can lead to serious health problems. Certain blood tests, skin patch tests and allergy tests are done to diagnose a mold allergy. Once identified, the goal of the treatment is to reduce the allergy symptoms because people generally can't control their exposure to molds. Medications help to reduce the symptoms but it is very important to ensure the cleanliness of indoor environments to eliminate or minimize the growth of the molds in the house. To control molds in the house, it is important to check humid areas and keep then as dry as possible. Food contaminated by molds should not be kept in the house. Dehumidifiers, air conditioners and areas where mold grow quickly should be cleaned regularly. After cleaning, drying and removing of molds, disinfectants and allergy reduction products can be used to ensure that molds are thoroughly wiped off. Allergies provides detailed information on Allergies, Allergy Relief, Food Allergies, Skin Allergies and more. Allergies is affiliated with Bronchial Asthma. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough Allergy - Your Carpet And Allergies -- Do You Know What Your Carpet Harbors? A carpet and allergies are like best friends. Your carpet soaks up anything that touches it and won't release it until it is thoroughly washed. You wouldn't wear a T-shirt for a year but carpet is fibrous material just like your clothes. the link between your carpet and allergies is indisputable -- but it is made better or worse depending on how old the carpet is, how thick it is and its quality (some poor carpets shed more easily). Of course, if you clean it more, it should contain less allergens also! Clean the Carpet and Allergies Will Stay Away The best way to keep allergies away is to regularly clean your carpets. Carpets harbor mold, dust mites and pollen. Make sure you vacuum your carpet regularly which will keep these allergens to a minimum. Clean up spills quickly because, apart from possible stains, mold can result from this. This is especially a problem in humid parts of the world lacking adequate ventilation. If you do the above you will have a more visually clean carpet and allergies will be reduced. You should also do a good shampoo once a year -- either by a product that you can use with a vacuum or hire a special carpet cleaning vacuum that runs moving water through the carpet as you move. New Carpets and Allergies Despite not holding the usual airborne allergens that latch onto carpets, a brand new carpet can also cause allergic reactions. During manufacture of the carpet, various chemicals are used that some people are allergic to. The best way to limit these outbreaks is to air the carpet well once it is installed by ventilating the room well. Unfortunately, this usually cannot be done before installation because carpets are rolled up for storage. Most people are aware that there is a strong correlation between a carpet and allergies arising from it, but by following the above advice of keeping your carpet clean, you or your family need not suffer any more.