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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

To keep mold allergy symptoms at bay, take these measures:

  • Sleep with your windows closed to keep out outdoor mold. The concentration of airborne mold spores tends to be greatest at night, when the weather is cool and damp.
  • Wear a dust mask over your nose and mouth to keep mold spores out if you have to rake leaves, mow your lawn or work around compost.
  • Avoid going outdoors at certain times, such as immediately after a rainstorm, in foggy or damp weather, or when the published mold count is high.
References
  1. Storey E, et al. Guidance for clinicians on the recognition and management of health effects related to mold exposure and moisture indoors. The Center for Indoor Environments and Health. http://oehc.uchc.edu/images/PDFs/MOLD%20GUIDE.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2010.
  2. Mold allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=15&cont=58. Accessed June 7, 2010.
  3. Basic facts: Molds in the environment. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm. Accessed June 7, 2010.
  4. A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
  5. Atopic and allergic disorders. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec13/ch165/ch165c.html. Accessed June 9, 2010.
  6. Weber RW. Allergic Rhinitis. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2008;35:1.
  7. Tips to remember: Allergy and asthma medications. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/asthmaallergymedications.stm. Accessed June 9, 2010.
  8. Seltzer JM, et al. Health effects of mold in children. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:309.
  9. Saline sinus rinse recipe. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/sinusitis/rinse_recipe.pdf. Accessed June 9, 2010.
  10. Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 21, 2010.
DS00773 Sept. 24, 2010

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