Mold can be a hidden hazard in any indoor or outdoor environment. It can cause a range of health problems. These can sometimes be very minor, like simply being irritated because of an unpleasant smell. However, mold can also cause major health problems which could lead to hospitalization and even death.

The minor irritations and annoyances caused by mold are many. Usually the symptoms of mold allergies are related to breathing, with issues in the nose, throat, and lungs. Sometimes these symptoms show up in other body systems, such as the skin.

The most common irritations are explained briefly below. If one or more people are experiencing these symptoms in your home or work environment, and you cannot trace the cause to other common allergens, it is time to hire an expert to search for hidden mold in the walls or ceiling.

Breathing-related reactions to mold:

• Runny nose: a sudden continuous stream of mucus from your nose is a common sign of mold allergy
• A sore throat: usually also caused by mucus running down the back of the throat, the allergic sore throat shows up several hours after initial exposure
• Sinusitis: this inflammation of the sinuses usually shows up as painful pressure beneath your cheeks is an allergic expansion of the lining of your sinuses
• Wheezing: mold reactions can also cause bronchial swelling in your breathing tube or lungs, which can cause a wheezing sound as you breathe
• Coughing: allergic coughing is not deep or productive. Instead, these are small, constant coughs as your breathing system works to clear excess mucus from your windpipe
• Sneezing: your body tries to clear the allergen and the mucus from your nose and mouth by sneezing

Non-breathing-related reactions to mold:

• Headache: this is commonly triggered by sinusitis, where swelling in uncommon places strains the body’s reactions to the mold
• Mild rash: rashes can show up in different places in different people, but are most common in areas of exposed skin, where direct contact has been made with mold in the air
• Watery eyes, or red eyes: mold in the air can also come into contact with your eyes, and your bodily defenses will make your eyes weepy and they will turn red with irritation

If you suspect mold is present, take action

Of course, all of these reactions are worse if the person experiencing them has underlying conditions such as asthma, eczema, or any of a range of auto immune diseases.

If you are experiencing these symptoms regularly, check your environment for the presence of mold, and consult your doctor to address the symptoms until the mold can be removed.