Concerned about mould

January 18, 2016 1:46 PM

I've had weird allergic symptoms now for a few months. Itchy, watery, irritated eyes. A really runny nose. Occasional headaches. Aches etc. We have no pets nor contact with any pet dander.

At first I thought it was a cold. Then someone suggested hay fever. Despite it being Autumn. Now it's January and I'm beginning to suspect mould.

Whilst there is no visible mould and the house isn't damp, I think this must be the issue because I'm more or less fine at work and the problems begin at home. They get worse or alleviate upon moving from one room to the next. I'm inclined to think the problem might even be in at least the bed linen (if not elsewhere). Any tips on combating this problem? Before throwing everything out, is there any way to confirm my hunch? Thanks

posted by dance to Health & Fitness (13 answers total)

PLEASE go to an allergist. I used to be like this, then I went to an allergist and discovered I'm allergic to pretty much everything (ironically, pretty much everything except mold) and got on a good combo of drugs and now I don't feel like shit anymore.

You easily could be allergic to dust mites, which could definitely account for the difference in symptoms based on where you are in your home (LIKE YOUR BED).

The only thing I regret about going to see an allergist was that I didn't go the second I started to have symptoms. I struggled for years with OTC drugs and attempts at acceptance.
posted by phunniemee at 1:49 PM on January 18, 2016 [5 favorites]

Depending on how often you wash your bed linen and pillowcases, it could be a response to dust mite droppings.

See an allergist for a skin test. They'll dab 20-30 samples of various allergens on your arm, and you'll see very quickly what you are and aren't allergic to.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 1:50 PM on January 18, 2016

I came here to say exactly what phunniemee said. My husband just got tested and it's primarily dust mites in his case.
posted by wintersweet at 1:50 PM on January 18, 2016

Allergist. I'm also allergic to everything.
posted by sweetkid at 1:53 PM on January 18, 2016

Also, do make sure that there's no gas leak if you have been running a gas heater during the last few months.
posted by mightshould at 2:09 PM on January 18, 2016

If the symptoms are exacerbated by being in bed I'd suspect a dust mite allergy over a mold allergy. Even if you wash your linens regularly the allergens might be in the mattress and pillows or comforter.

Get tested at the allergist's office and proceed accordingly.
posted by lydhre at 2:22 PM on January 18, 2016

Allergist, absolutely, but also review the side effects of any medications you take.
posted by Iris Gambol at 2:22 PM on January 18, 2016

Allergic to mold here and have trouble with bed linen and pillows getting slightly musty. I'm for allergy testing too but until then, dry your pillow and bedding on the hottest dryer setting. Heat kills mold and also dust mites. If you don't have a dryer or it doesn't get hot enough, put a few drops of tea tree oil (can probably use any essential oil like lavender, peppermint) in the wash to sanitize everything.

I've done so many odd things to combat allergies that I felt really vindicated when I saw this article.

Our pillows are dangerous for our health
posted by stray thoughts at 2:36 PM on January 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

A recently developed allergy to dust and grass mold started wreaking havoc on my immune system before I learned what was what with an allergy test. You might be experiencing something similar. Do you experience relief from your symptoms when you take allergy medicines like benadryl, Zyrtec, etc? If not, this could be something else entirely, but an allergy test is a great place to start.
posted by Hermione Granger at 2:54 PM on January 18, 2016

Allergist absolutely, but after glancing over your previous questions, I think it's possible you could have picked up a bit of a chronic sinus infection during the Incident of the Leaky Shower Investigation back in September, and I think you should look into that as well -- especially if that room exacerbates your symptoms.
posted by jamjam at 2:56 PM on January 18, 2016

Do you have a new lotion? I use lotion if I can find one that minimally irritates. Your description describes what any lotion does to me if I get it too near my eyes, and no retinol ever. If I put it on, I have to wash it off my fingers so I don't rub it into my eyes later.
posted by Oyéah at 3:22 PM on January 18, 2016

I had similar issues, and came to the same conclusion, especially because i get mould around our windows in the winter. And I was wrong. I went to an allergist and was tested, and what came back that I was allergic to mould, but not indoor moulds, and not very allergic to them at all. Doctor suggested I take Singulair (generic equivalent) and some OTC Loratadine (sp?) to keep it under control.

It ended up that despite never having allergies growing up, I developed them. YMMV, but I suggest seeing an allergist to help put your mind at ease.

Good luck!
posted by terrapin at 3:33 PM on January 18, 2016 [1 favorite]

I have a pretty severe mold allergy and it extends even to things that are temporarily stored in moldy rooms. My parents basement flooded a couple of decades ago and I have not been able to spend any time in the basement since. My mother thought it was all in my head and stored my off-season clothing down there and when i went to wear some of it I practically went into anaphylactic shock. I ended up getting rid of all kinds of stuff that couldn't be effectively cleaned.
posted by srboisvert at 7:02 PM on January 18, 2016 [1 favorite]