Significance

• Mold inhalation causes respiratory problems, particularly in asthmatics who suffer from environmental allergies, as fungus spores line the lungs and fill air sacs, causing mucus and debris obstruction while breathing.
  
  

Function

• Mold spores travel through the air, entering the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, causing chemical histamine releases in the body that inflame the nasal passages and airways, constricting breathing.
  
  

Effects

• Mold allergies cause allergic rhinitis symptoms of nasal congestion, sneezing and runny nose, complicating asthma symptoms of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
  
  

Considerations

• Testing for seasonal and household mold allergies with a skin prick test that injects the mold allergen and lung function exam that measures breathing rates can diagnose allergic asthma.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Mold-related asthma is treated with bronchodilator inhalers, nebulizer treatments and prescription steroids that open airways by clearing obstructions. Oral antihistamines reduce asthma symptoms by reducing allergic inflammation in the lungs.