The Difference Between the Symptoms of Allergies and a Cold

Many people would think that mould allergy is such a common thing since moulds are everywhere and they do not choose a specific season to grow. Contrary to this belief, mould allergy is only caused by a few types of the numerous species that grow in our environment.

Just like any other allergens, exposure to moulds triggers a reaction in the immune system, which leads to some adverse effects. This can be countered by avoiding these allergens, but moulds are everywhere and it is hard not to come in contact with them. When a person comes in contact with mould spores, the body's initial response is to produce antibodies, since they are recognized by the immune system as a foreign entity.

Even after the exposure to the mould, the body continues to produce the antibodies. This is in anticipation of a future contact with the same allergens. When the body is finally exposed to the same mould spores again, the body's reaction is to release substances called "histamines" that cause the various allergic symptoms of the body.

Mould allergy symptoms are very similar to the other types of allergies that occur in the respiratory system. These symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, congestion and inflammation of the sinuses. Apart from these, the person may also have watery eyes, and skin problems such as itching, dryness and scaling.

The following effects

It is possible for a person to experience an allergy for all of summer if it is caused by an outdoor mould or even through the entire year if it is caused by an indoor mould. There are also cases when the mould spores deposit in the lining of the nose. When this happens, it is possible for the person to experience symptoms of hay fever. Asthma may also be triggered if the mould spores reach the lungs, or worse, it can develop into an illness called bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.