Causes, Symptoms, and Advice for Mold Allergies
Mold is a diverse group of fungi that lives just about anywhere. Certain types can cause allergic reactions and tough allergy symptoms.
Adult Indoor Allergy Causes, Symptoms, and Relief
Make indoors more comfortable by reducing allergy triggers
There’s no place like home … for allergies! Just stepping indoors — at home, work, or school — exposes you to numerous allergens. An allergen is any substance which produces an allergic reaction. Millions of people suffer year-round because of indoor allergens.1
The most common sources of indoor allergies are dust mites, fungi (mold), mammals (both your pets and invasive rodents), and cockroaches.2
So basically, the cleaner your home, the stronger your defense against indoor allergies.
Signs and symptoms of indoor allergies
An allergic reaction is the result of your immune system going on the defensive. When it detects an allergen, it produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). In response, your cells release chemicals to fight the allergens, which result in your allergy symptoms.¹
The most typical symptoms of indoor allergies include:¹
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- General congestion or stuffiness
Here’s where most indoor allergens hide:³
- Damp and humid areas
- Indoor plants
- Pets
- Pillows and bedding
- Plush furniture
- Plush toys
- Unsealed mattresses
- Wall-to-wall carpet
The most common indoor allergy triggers — and what to do about them
Dust mites
House dust mites are a major source of allergies worldwide. Mite-related allergens are more commonly airborne and inhalation of these allergens is the most common way of exposure. Not as common, but mite-contaminated food can also be a source of allergic reactions.2
How to control dust mites:³
It’s very difficult to avoid plant pollen, but there are a few things you can do:²,⁴,⁵
- Keep surfaces clean and uncluttered
- Avoid wall-to-wall carpet — use low-pile carpets, washable rugs, hardwood, linoleum, or tile
- Avoid heavy drapes
- Avoid overstuffed furniture
- Use sealed, allergen-resistant covers on your pillows and mattress
- Wash bedding, pillows, and stuffed toys in water that’s at least 130°F; dry them in a hot dryer
Indoor mold
The common indoor mold and mildew that cause allergies thrive in dampness. You’ll find them in moist basements, bathrooms, or anywhere with leaks.1
How to reduce mold¹,³
It’s very difficult to avoid plant pollen, but there are a few things you can do:²,⁴,⁵
- Reduce moisture in the bathroom, kitchen, and basement
- Don’t run showers too long before hopping in
- Use dehumidifiers
- Limit the number of house plants, and ensure proper drainage
- Fix leaks quickly
- Remove mold from hard surfaces with water and detergent or, if necessary, 5% bleach; let them dry completely
Pet dander
There are no breeds of dogs or cats that are 100% allergen-free — not even the hairless ones. That’s because you don’t react to fur, but to allergens in saliva, dander (skin flakes), or urine.¹
How to manage pet dander³
- Avoid direct contact with pets
- Keep pets out of your bedroom
- Wash and change pet beds and toys often
- Bathe and brush your pets often — and wear a mask when you groom them
- Wash your hands after handling pets
- Frequently wipe and vacuum spaces where your pets spend time
- Before getting a pet, ask your allergist to determine if you are allergic to animals
Cockroaches
The World Health Organization identifies 12 distinct allergens carried by cockroaches.2
How to control cockroaches1,3
- Cover food, garbage, and recyclables; take the trash out quickly
- Use poison baits, boric acid, and traps instead of chemicals
- Block crevices, wall cracks, and windows where they enter
- Fix and seal leaks
- Keep food in lidded containers
- Put away used pet bowls and uneaten food
- Vacuum and sweep after meals
- Wash dishes immediately after use
- Clean under stoves, refrigerators, or toasters where crumbs can accumulate
- Wipe off the stove, cupboards, and other kitchen surfaces regularly
A couple extra tips to minimize indoor allergens
It’s nearly impossible to completely avoid indoor allergens. But there are ways to reduce them.
- Keep the air as clean as possible3
- Increase the flow of outdoor air
- Reduce humidity
- Use air cleaners with certified allergy and asthma filters
- Vacuum the home frequently using a certified asthma and allergy friendly vaccum.3
- Wear a mask while doing housework3
- Leave the house for several hours after cleaning it
Related Articles
- Andrew Moore, MD, reviewed. Indoor Allergens, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology [aaaai.com],
February 28, 2020. May 20, 2021. - Anna Pomés, Martin D. Chapman, Sabrina Wünschmann. Indoor Allergens and Allergic Respiratory Disease, PMC/US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health,
June 2016. Oct. 5, 2021 - Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Ed. Control Allergens to Improve Indoor Air Quality, Reviewed by Medical Scientific Council,
2015. Oct. 5, 2021.
†Among OTC oral antihistamines.