With the cold and allergy season fast approaching, we thought it was the perfect time to talk about how to tell when you need cold medicine, an allergy doctor, or mold remediation. There are some symptoms to watch out for, and they are not always easy to tell apart. Here are the signs you have a cold, an allergy, or mold. We’ll also include information on when to call us for mold remediation.
Do You Have A Cold, An Allergy, Or A Mold Problem?
The cold is a nose and throat virus. It can affect anyone whether young or old and lasts about ten days. Symptoms usually include a sore throat, sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, stuffiness, headaches, coughing, malady, body aches, and a low-grade fever. Unfortunately, a person may have several colds in the winter, which makes it difficult to diagnose without seeing a doctor.
Allergies are often caused by things like poor indoor ventilation, animal dander, or dust mites. Symptoms can include runny nose, stuffiness, coughing, sneezing, postnasal drip, or eye, nose, or throat irritation. Unlike colds, allergies tend to affect a person seasonally. Typically, it is the body’s response time that signals the difference, but it is best to see an allergy doctor if you think it’s seasonal.
Mold is due to a person breathing in the spores and triggering immune system response. The subsequent symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to a cold, but as the mold continues to grow in the home, it increases the body’s response. A person exposed to mold spores may develop illnesses like asthma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, fungal sinusitis, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Who Is at Risk Of Mold Allergies?
- Anyone exposed to humidity higher than 50% in homes or businesses.
- Genetic history of asthma can increase the likelihood of having a mold allergy.
- Occupational mold exposure such as in bakeries, breweries, dairies, farms, greenhouses, mold remediation, plumbing, or wineries can increase the risk.
Where Is Mold Found In A Home Or Business?
- Behind the Refrigerator
- Furniture & Mattresses
- Carpets or Carpet Padding
- Basements of Crawlspaces
- In the Bathroom or Kitchen
- Low-Laying Walls or Baseboards
- Stored Items Exposed to Moisture
- Poorly Working or Placed Dehumidifiers
- Poorly Ventilated Homes Such as Vacation Property
How To Prevent Mold Growth
Prevention is the key to avoiding mold growth and exposure. It takes a bit of technique as well as active participation to keep your eye out for mold spore growth. Here are a few things to prevent it.
- Mold Remediation: This solution allows experts to identify the cause and commercially eliminate the problem.
- Bathroom Ventilation: Use or install a bathroom ventilation fan. If you don’t have one, open a window to remove excess humidity.
- Filter Changes: It’s critical that you change your HVAC or furnace filters seasonally to reduce the dust and debris in your air ducts.
- Dehumidifier Usage: If you have rooms that are prone to moisture, use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity below the 50% mark. Clean it regularly.
- Landscaping: Ensure your drainage system removes water at least six feet away from the house. Clean out your gutter system to prevent blockages and flooding.
- Wear A Mask: When you are in conditions that affect allergies, such as when dusting, vacuuming, or weather-related activities, wear a mask to avoid airborne spores.
- Remove Moisture: It’s important to remember to check, clean, and dry areas such as the bathroom, basement, or crawl spaces and get rid of items that are moist or damp.
Whether you think you have a cold, an allergy, or mold in your home, your health is the most important issue to worry about. If you notice a lot of moisture or mold, give us a call at 1-800-847-0114. We’ll be glad to look over your home or business and confirm whether you need mold remediation or something else. You can also send a message to us at www.facebook.com/RestorePro911/.
