Mold sensitivity or allergy is one of the most common reasons for referral to an allergist. Patients often are seen for what they believe is “cedar fever” or “hay fever” and their problems are actually caused by mold. Ineffectual evaluation and treatment for mold sensitivity is the most common reason for a patient to be dissatisfied with their allergy treatment. Even viral infections can be initiated by mold overloads. Many patients with colds or other viral illnesses will recall a mold overload prior to the onset of their symptoms.

The immune system is not static. It changes to meet the challenges from the environment, diet, and other stressors (stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, etc.). An overload of mold from either the air or the diet can facilitate illness by overloading or exhausting the immune system’s ability to ward off other offenders such as bacteria and viruses. Keeping the immune system healthy by avoiding overloads of mold can have positive results in maintaining health.

Mold overload may lead to a condition known as anergy, an inability of the immune system to react to a specific mold antigen. The allergist tests for only a fraction of the molds that are potentially present in the patient’s environment. Negative tests do not mean that mold isn't the problem. It means that more thought has to go into diagnosis and treatment.

Our homes, schools, offices, and houses of worship are relatively air-tight to conserve energy. The air inside our buildings does not exchange well and is a breeding ground for mold. However, just because mold is present does not mean that it is necessarily the cause of your problem.

Because mold is present everywhere in our environment and diet, the problem for the allergist is to determine if mold is actually the culprit causing the patient’s symptoms. This requires testing, a careful history, and treatment designed to lessen the offending agents.