For people with allergic asthma, there may be many different types of allergens that can trigger an asthma attack. One common allergen that can cause a flare-up is airborne mold. Although many people only think of mold as a black fuzzy substance that grows on surfaces, mold spores are often floating in the air. Additionally, the spores are not isolated to indoor environments.

Some weather conditions, such as high temperatures, are associated with an increase in the number of mold spores found in air.  If you live in a cold area, you may notice an increase in mold during the spring and summer months. However, in areas that are warm year-round, large numbers of mold spores may be ever-present.

Mold can be found practically anywhere. Still, there are things that you can do to reduce the number of asthma attacks caused by your contact with airborne mold. Here are a few of them:

Reduce Your Chance of an Attack from Outdoor Mold

Mold spores are often present on outdoor surfaces. As the surfaces are disturbed, the spores become airborne, where they can be inhaled to cause asthma symptoms. Here are a few things you can do to reduce the number of spores that are inhaled when you are outside:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when doing yard work. As you rake leaves or cut your lawn, you are disturbing spores. Wearing a mask can block their entry into your respiratory system.
• Keep your yard free of debris. Mounds of leaves or stacks of wood can become damp. Mold thrives in places that are moist and dark. Thus, by leaving lawn debris in your yard, you can form breeding grounds for mold, increasing the number of spores that you come in contact with in your outdoor space.

Reduce Contact with Mold Indoors

Mold is also found indoors. Some mold can be brought in from the outside in, while other types of mold may originate and grow within your home. Here are a few things you can do to reduce the amount of mold in your home and make an asthma attack less likely:

• Remove your shoes before entering your home. Shoes can track mold spores into your indoor living space.
• Keep your dehumidifier or air conditioner running when the temperature and humidity are high. Removing moisture from your indoor air can help eliminate mold.
• Don't carpet damp areas of your home.
• Maintain good ventilation in rooms that have high moisture levels, such as your restrooms and kitchen.

Contact a medical clinic like North Texas Allergy for more information and assistance. 

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