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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffThe best treatment for any allergy is to take steps to avoid exposure to your triggers. However, molds are common and you can't completely avoid them. While there's no sure way to cure a mold allergy, a number of medications can ease your symptoms. These include:
- Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the inflammation caused by an upper respiratory mold allergy. For many people they're the most effective allergy medications, and they're often the first medication prescribed. Examples include ciclesonide (Omnaris), fluticasone (Flonase Veramyst), mometasone (Nasonex) and beclomethasone (Beconase). Nosebleeding is the most common side effect of these medications. These medications are generally safe for long-term use.
- Antihistamines. These medications can help with itching, sneezing and runny nose. They work by blocking histamine, an inflammatory chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and clemastine (Tavist) work as well, but can make you drowsy. Fexofenadine (Allegra) and the nasal spray azelastine (Astelin) are available by prescription.
- Decongestants. These medications are available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. OTC oral decongestants include Sudafed, Actifed and Drixoral. Nasal sprays include phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline (Afrin). Because oral decongestants can raise blood pressure, avoid them if you have high blood pressure (hypertension). Don't use a decongestant nasal spray for more than two or three days at a time because it can cause rebound congestion when used over longer periods.
- Cromolyn (NasalCrom). This medication is available as an over-the-counter nasal spray. It helps relieve mold allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. Cromolyn is most effective when you start taking it before signs and symptoms develop.
- Montelukast. Montelukast (Singulair) is a prescription tablet taken to block the action of leukotrienes — immune system chemicals that cause allergy symptoms such as excess mucus. It has proved effective in treating allergic asthma, and it's also effective in treating mold allergy. Like antihistamines, this medication is not as effective as inhaled corticosteroids. It's often used when nasal sprays cannot be tolerated, or when mild asthma is present.
Other treatments for mold allergy include:
- Immunotherapy. This treatment — a series of allergy shots — virtually eliminates some allergies, such as hay fever. Unfortunately, however, allergy shots are only moderately effective against mold allergy.
- Nasal lavage. To help with irritating nasal symptoms, your doctor may recommend that you rinse your nose with salt water. Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray or prepare your own saltwater solution. To do this, mix 3 heaping teaspoons of salt that doesn't contain any iodine with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a container you can seal. Take 1 teaspoon of this mixture and mix it with 8 ounces of water to make your saltwater solution. If you experience any burning or stinging, use less of the salt and baking soda mixture the next time.
Your doctor may recommend additional treatments if you also have mold-induced asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
References
- 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.
- Mold allergy. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=15&cont=58. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- Basic facts: Molds in the environment. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- A brief guide to mold, moisture and your home. Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html. Accessed June 7, 2010.
- 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.
- Weber RW. Allergic Rhinitis. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2008;35:1.
- 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.
- Seltzer JM, et al. Health effects of mold in children. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:309.
- 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.
- Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 21, 2010.
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