Mold Allergies vs. Seasonal Allergies

If you are experiencing symptoms such as sniffling and sneezing, watery eyes, and an itchy throat, seasonal triggers could be the cause. However, other allergens like mold may be the source of your discomfort — in this case, immediate action is necessary to remove the mold from your home.

Even though differentiating between mold and seasonal allergies can be tricky, there are ways to determine which is causing your symptoms.

Seasonal Allergies

In the U.S., over 100 million people experience various allergies each year. In 2021, 25.7% of American adults were diagnosed with seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever. If you are among those who are affected, you are likely familiar with the typical seasonal allergy symptoms, such as:

• Coughing and a post-nasal drip
• A stuffy or runny nose
• A scratchy throat
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Feeling fatigued
• Congestion
• Sneezing

While seasonal allergies are usually associated with spring and summer due to allergens like grass and tree pollen, ragweed pollen is a common culprit in fall allergies. During these seasons, plants release small pollen grains that travel by the wind to fertilize other plants of the same species. As a result, pollen trapped in the air can also make its way into your eyes, nose and lungs.

When exposed to a substance you are allergic to, such as pollen, your immune system views it as an intruder. In response, it releases chemicals, like histamines, causing a combination of allergy symptoms.

Mold Allergies

Pollen might not be the root of your symptoms — you may have a mold allergy.

Mold is a fungus that can grow on virtually anything in a warm and damp environment or in the presence of moisture. When found outdoors, mold grows in areas such as wet soil, piles of leaves and underneath fallen trees. Inside, mold can grow on organic materials like paper, fabric, wood and food. Rooms like the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and basement are especially prone to mold growth.

Similar to pollen, mold creates spores found in the air. Inhaling these spores can cause an allergic reaction if you are immune sensitive to mold. As pollen and mold are airborne allergens, they often cause the same respiratory symptoms.

In addition to all the symptoms of a pollen allergy, mold allergy symptoms may include:

• Asthma attacks if you have allergy-induced asthma
• Skin irritation, such as rashes and hives
• Shortness of breath
• Blurry vision
• Nosebleeds
• Headaches
• Wheezing

Mold vs. Seasonal Allergies

As the symptoms caused by seasonal allergies and mold exposure overlap, telling the difference between the two can be challenging. Yet, knowing the source of your symptoms is vital for seeking the appropriate treatment.

A helpful way to differentiate between reactions caused by mold and seasonal allergies is to analyze when you experience your symptoms. Seasonal allergies caused by the various types of pollen commonly occur between late February and early September, whereas mold allergies can affect you year-round.

If your symptoms occur during the spring, summer and beginning of fall, pay attention to when they worsen and disappear entirely. If your symptoms flare up after being outside or when your windows are open, you likely have a pollen allergy.

On the other hand, mold allergies will affect you when you are inside with your windows closed. Plus, if you observe that your symptoms are absent when you leave your home, these symptoms are probably the result of mold exposure.

Consulting a health care professional is always best, as they can perform an allergy test to confirm the exact cause of your symptoms. Doctors and allergy specialists will also recommend the best treatment.

Treating Seasonal Allergies

If you believe that seasonal allergies are the cause, over-the-counter medications may soothe your symptoms. Antihistamines can help by inhibiting your body’s immune response, and decongestants can relieve congestion. Your doctor may also prescribe you with a steroidal nose spray.

However, to fight seasonal allergies, prevention is better than cure. You should do your best to avoid pollen exposure by staying indoors during windy weather conditions and on days with a high pollen count. Remember to keep your doors and windows closed, too.

Treating Mold Allergies

You can treat a mold allergy with the same over-the-counter medications used for seasonal allergies. If you have allergy-induced asthma, speak to your doctor about which medicines would be most suitable for you.

Avoid direct contact with mold as much as possible — prevention is paramount in the context of allergies caused by mold. Over time, consistent exposure to high levels of mold may put you at risk of more severe effects, such as:

• Chronic sinusitis
• Organ damage
• Legionnaire’s disease

Although not all mold is toxic, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. If you think there is mold in your house, you should take immediate steps to reduce your exposure and ensure your home is a healthy and safe space.

Mold Prevention

Because mold can grow in hidden areas, such as behind walls and carpets, most people only become aware of the presence of mold once their health has been impacted.

Be on the lookout for additional warning signs indicating a mold problem, including:

• Smell: A strong, musty odor that persists even after thorough cleaning, especially in areas susceptible to mold growth.
• Sight: Your ceilings and walls can look black and spotty. Though not always possible, visual clues are the easiest way to detect mold.

To prevent mold growth in your home, you should:

• Clean frequently: Regularly vacuum carpets and upholstery, and clean surfaces with a disinfectant to prevent mold build up. Pay close attention to areas like bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
• Control humidity: Mold thrives in damp environments, so lowering the moisture in your home is critical. Keep the humidity in your home low and reduce moisture with a dehumidifier.
• Fix leaks: Address plumbing and roof leaks promptly. Be sure to clean out your gutters, too — blocked gutters can cause leaking.
• Remove mold: If you detect mold growing in your home, act immediately. Reach out to professional mold removal services for an assessment as soon as you notice the signs. Take extra precautions to remove mold from soft materials like wall hangings and furniture.
• Increase airflow: Open doors between rooms and windows so that air can flow in and out — you can also use fans if necessary.

Mold Remediation

Along with these above tips, consider expert help. Hiring a mold remediation company like ServiceMaster of Lincoln Park is essential to preventing mold from returning — remediation services stop the moisture problem that initially caused the mold.

When it comes to mold infestations, time is of the essence. In addition to being a health risk, mold can wreak havoc in your home when left untreated. With time, mold can lead to the deterioration of organic materials, causing permanent damage.

If your home has experienced water damage, such as a burst pipe or a slow leak, mold can develop within 48 hours of exposure. You should hire a mold remediation professional as soon as possible.

ServiceMaster of Lincoln Park has certified mold damage experts who will:

• Evaluate the scale of your mold problem using tools to measure your home’s temperature, humidity and moisture content.
• Successfully rid your home of mold by removing any material that contains visible mold and any other items that might be contaminated.
• Follow comprehensive operational procedures based on the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for proper mold remediation. Steps include treating the remaining surfaces to prevent future mold growth and removing spores from the air with air scrubbers.

Contact Us for Your Mold Remediation Needs

If you live in Chicago, Illinois, or the surrounding areas, you may experience persistent mold issues due to the humidity. Allow ServiceMaster of Lincoln Park to be your trusted mold remediation partner. We aim to remove mold as quickly as possible, ensuring your home is clean and healthy and giving you peace of mind that any further damage has been mitigated.

Whether you have an existing mold problem in Chicago or need immediate water damage restoration services to avoid rapid mold growth, contact ServiceMaster of Lincoln Park today.