Symptoms
The first symptoms after inhalation of mold spores with beginning allergy can be a simple insignificant light scratching in the throat, which is not further noticed by the patients. In the further course it can come then to tearing of the eyes and running of the nose. The initially slight scratching in the throat can also quickly turn into a swelling of the mouth and throat area.
It should be noted that the inhaled mold spores can also penetrate directly into the trachea and bronchi, even into the finest alveoli. Mast cells can also adhere to the bronchial tubes and, on contact with the intruder, emit the histamine that is undesirable in this case, which then leads directly to narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, this results in moderate to severe shortness of breath, which must be treated immediately in order to avert corresponding life-threatening conditions.
The most common symptom of mold poisoning is shortness of breath, which occurs when the allergy-causing substance (the so-called allergen) enters the respiratory tract of the affected person. In some mild cases, patients also report less shortness of breath than difficult breathing.Coughing and dry cough are often the first symptoms of a mild allergic reaction of the airways. More serious reactions are then respiratory distress, shortness of breath and asthma.
Many patients report having to breathe in more deeply to feel that they are getting enough air. Movements and sports activities can no longer be performed with the known ease once the allergic reaction has set in. Usually patients do not know whether they have inhaled anything because the molds and their spores are not visible to the human eye.
However, it is often reported that household cleaning has taken place previously in the apartment or house or that a walk in the woods was taken on a warm day. In the event of a shortage of air, the affected person should be shielded from contact with the allergen as soon as possible. Since the mold pores in affected rooms are often in the air, a change of location is usually the best short-term solution to alleviate the symptoms.
Mould can also cause reactions on the skin. For example, they lead to itching and reddening of the skin, which is often widespread and begins to itch severely. They can also cause neurodermatitis or aggravate an existing one.
Furthermore, they can cause hives or even hives. All these symptoms are not uncommon and can be very unpleasant for those affected. Gastrointestinal complaints are also occasionally described.
These occur mainly after consumption of foods with mold allergens. Many different symptoms can occur, for example nausea and vomiting. But also abdominal pain of all kinds, as well as diarrhoea and flatulence are common. In general, the symptoms are similar to a food allergy.
