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About Headaches & Congestion From Mold & Mildew
Headaches and congestion from mold and mildew are the result of a mold allergy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 12. A mold allergy is defined by MayoClinic.com as an overreaction of the immune system to mold spores 2. Someone with an allergy to mold and mildew will experience common allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and congestion, when he comes into contact with the substance 2.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
About
Mold spores are tiny particles, or seeds, that mold and mildew produce to procreate. The small particles are carried by the wind and can travel for miles. Sinus inflammation causes blockage in the person’s ability to breathe through the nose and the ability to properly drain mucus.
Cause
About Sinus Headache Symptoms Lasting for Weeks
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Sinus headaches are the result of sinus congestion creating pressure in the head, according to the University of Maryland’s Medical Center 3. Inflamed sinuses swell and press on the eyes, the ear and upper-teeth, leading to sinus headaches. Once the pressure is alleviated, the headaches subside.
Symptoms
Someone with an allergy to mold and mildew will experience similar symptoms every time she is exposed to the substance 2. Congestion symptoms include nasal blockage, sinus pain and postnasal drip. Sinus headaches feel like a dull, throbbing pain in the forehead, according to the University of Maryland’s Medical Center 3. Sinus headaches are commonly misdiagnosed and are actually a migraine headache. Talk with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Natural Treatments
How to Get Rid of Ear Congestion Fast
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The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that the most effective treatment for a mold and mildew allergy is avoid exposure to the substance 12. Avoid going outdoors during springtime and eliminate all mold or mildew in the house. The University of Maryland’s Medical Center states that using a humidifier, saline sprays and inhaling steam two to four times a day will help with sinus headaches 3. MayoClinic.com recommends using a nasal lavage, or sinus rinse, to cleanse and moisten the sinus cavity 2.
Medical Treatments
Antihistamines and decongestants are the most common medication used to treat mold and mildew allergy symptoms, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 12. Antihistamines address the allergy symptoms and decongestants reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity. Pain relievers are used to treat sinus headaches, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
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References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Mold Allergy
- MayoClinic.com: Mold Allergy
- University of Maryland's Medical Center: Sinus Headache
- Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini, Husam AlWaer, Hossein Omrany, Ali Ghaffarianhoseini, Chaham Alalouch, Derek Clements-Croome & John Tookey (2018) Sick building syndrome: are we doing enough?. Architectural Science Review,61:3, 99-121.
- American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Mold Allergy. Reviewed April 23, 2018.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fungal Diseases. Reviewed May 6, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mold. Basic Facts. Reviewed December 20, 2017
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Mold Allergy. Reviewed October 2015.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molds in the Environment. Rreviewed December 20, 2017.
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Mold Allergy
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mold, Basic Facts
- Rudert A, Portnoy J.Mold allergy: is it real and what do we do about it?Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2017 Aug;13(8):823-835. doi: 10.1080/1744666X.2017.1324298. Epub 2017 May 17.
Writer Bio
Diane Marks started her writing career in 2010 and has been in health care administration for more than 30 years. She holds a registered nurse license from Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in health care education from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in health administration from the University of Pittsburgh.