Our beautiful city has a plethora of historic homes and buildings. If you’re lucky enough to own or live in one, you know that its vintage charm comes with both pros, such as the gorgeous architecture and character, and cons, especially if you suffer from allergies. As it happens, older homes and buildings can house a lot of common allergens, so let’s discuss what those are and how to deal with them.
Mold Allergies
Mold allergies are even more historic than Albany’s vintage homes. Even before humans had an understanding of what allergies are, doctors and scientists 300 years ago observed that mold spores could cause respiratory and skin symptoms in some of their patients. Mold allergies are especially linked with asthma. Mold thrives in dark, damp and warm environments, and old buildings can certainly become musty and damp, so mold can take over, and fast.
Identifying Mold
Mold and mildew are very similar, but there are some key differences. Mildew is white or yellow and easy to wipe away during cleaning. It may cause mild irritation, but no major health issues. Mold, on the other hand, can be a major health and allergy hazard. Mold is black, blue, green or brown in color and grows deep into the materials it’s spawning from.
Where to Look for Mold
As mentioned, old buildings create ideal conditions for mold to spread, so it’s wise to stay vigilant and check regularly for growth. Some places to inspect include:
- Basements
- Attics and crawl spaces
- In the bathroom, particularly around the sink, toilet, tub and shower
- Inside and behind appliances, such as the dishwasher, fridge or washing machine
- Inside closets and cabinets—especially those on an exterior wall
- Near windows
- Under carpets and flooring
- Behind drywall
- Near heating and HVAC vents
Treating Mold Allergies
If you’ve been sneezing more often in your historic home, it may be a symptom of a mold allergy. The first step is to remove the mold and take steps to prevent it from returning.
- Eliminate any sources of dampness, such as leaky pipes, especially in dark rooms like the basement or garage
- Ensure that humid rooms, such as the bathroom, are adequately ventilated
- Make sure your window frames are mold-resistant and wipe down the windowsill to remove condensation
- Change the filters on your furnace and air conditioner
Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Aleve or Zyrtec, can help reduce your allergic reaction, and topical antihistamine creams can help with any skin-related symptoms, such as a rash or hives.
If OTC medications aren’t helping, consider immunotherapy with an allergist. This treatment will provide long-lasting relief of allergy symptoms, allowing you to enjoy your historic home sniffle-free. Call Albany ENT & Allergy Services to learn more about mold allergies and immunotherapy.