Allergy to mold, dander, dust
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is reduction of allergy symptoms.
Avoidance is the best treatment (see Prevention). Complete avoidance of environmental allergens may be impossible, but exposure may be minimized in many cases.
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine often provide good relief of mild to moderate symptoms. Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion. Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone or prednisone reduce the immune response and may be prescribed to reduce severe symptoms. Inhaled cromolyn sodium may be used for the treatment of asthma and a cromoly sodium spray is available for allergic rhinitis. An ophthalmic version of cromolyn sodium has been intermittently available for allergy sufferers with itchy bloodshot eyes. Other medications may vary depending on the type and severity of allergic reaction symptoms.
Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema) may require other treatments.
Desensitization (immunotherapy, "allergy shots") is occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided. It includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may "acclimatize" the body to the antigen.
Expectations (prognosis):
Most allergies are readily treated. However, treatment only affects that exposure, so subsequent exposures cause another allergic reaction.
People who are allergic to mold may also be allergic to penicillin, which is derived from a variety of mold. They may also be allergic to blue cheese, which is an ingredient of some salad dressings.
Rarely, people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance has provoked an allergic reaction it continues to affect the person.
Desensitization may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It often requires years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if severe symptoms of allergy occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment.
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