Mold Allergy and Fungal Sinusitis
Molds And Sinus Infection Molds are a type of fungi that thrive in damp, warm areas. Outdoors, molds are commonly found in the soil. The organisms play an important role in the environment by breaking down and feeding on dead plant matter.
To reproduce, molds produce tiny seed-like particles, called spores. These spores are released into the air, traveling on air currents and landing in other areas to form new colonies of mold growth. Molds can grow almost in any place where moisture is present. In the home, areas that have high humidity, dampness or water damage are very susceptible to mold growth.
When molds release spores, the tiny particles float in the air and can be inhaled. In most cases, the spores cause no problems. However, some people develop sensitivity to the spores and this leads to mold allergy. Subsequent exposure to mold may cause nasal congestion, headache, eye irritation, tickling in the nose and throat, cough, sneezing and skin rashes. Some develop asthma symptoms, like wheezing, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Infants and children, the elderly, persons with immune-compromising conditions, pregnant women and patients with respiratory conditions, other allergies and asthma are most at risk of developing symptoms related to mold exposure.
Many cases of sinus infection may be caused by a different problem growth of fungi (such as molds) in the warm, damp sinus cavities. The condition is called fungal sinusitis. 96 percent of patients with chronic sinusitis test positive for fungal sinus infection.
Fungal sinus infections usually occur when the body's immune system is weakened, allowing the fungi to bypass the normal defense system and take up residence in the sinuses. Allergic fungal or mold sinus infection is believed to be caused by an allergic reaction to fungi or mold in the environment.
Symptoms of mold allergies or fungal sinusitis include: • Sneezing • Chronic cough • Runny nose • Nasal congestion • Itchy, watery and red eyes • Skin rashes and hives • Sinus headaches • Reduced lung capacity and difficulty breathing
In some cases, patients may also have a bacterial infection of the sinuses. But treatment with antibiotics won't get rid of the fungal infection. So unless the condition is properly diagnosed and treated with anti-fungals, patients may continue to experience sinus symptoms. A more severe form of fungal sinusitis is fulminant fungal sinusitis. The condition can lead to the destruction of sinuses and invasion into the bony cavities near the eyeball and brain. Mortality rates for this form are 50 percent or higher.
If your mold allergy becomes severe, consult your physician to be properly tested and diagnosed.
Allergy testing increases your knowledge about specific allergens and pinpoints the allergens to avoid. Allergy testing may include blood count and several other blood tests, including the IgE allergy antibody, nasal smear, pulmonary function study, chest and sinus X-rays, plus a detailed symptomatic medical history. As many 120 substances may be used in puncture testing on the upper back and arms to pinpoint exactly which allergens affect you. Intradermal tests of substances on the arms and dermatitis patch tests may be used as well, based on the puncture test results.
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