By keeping these problem areas in mind when the weather turns cool, you can reduce the discomfort of mold allergy symptoms for yourself and your family.

• Don’t leave the leaves; mold easily builds up in wet piles. So when you rake, dispose of the leaves promptly to avoid the mold buildup.
• Clean your filters. Mold builds up in air filters during the summer months; the mold spores are then released into the air when you turn on the heat for the first time in the fall.
• Check for leaks. Mold can build up inside or outside your home if there are leaking pipes or other damp spots. Be sure to check places such as the garage, attic, basement, bathroom and even the backs of closets, especially if damp clothing or other material has been tossed there.

Symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to the symptoms for any other allergy, and they can include the following:

• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Coughing and sneezing
• Itchiness in the eyes, nose or throat
• Skin rash
• Sinusitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses)

If you have any of these symptoms when you are exposed to damp conditions, such as spending time in a musty basement or raking damp leaves, you may have a mold allergy. Here are a few other factors that could trigger an allergic reaction to mold:

• Living in a new house. This may seem surprising, but newer homes are designed with tightly fitted doors and windows to enhance energy efficiency. However, you can have too much of a good thing, and super-tight window and door seals may trap moisture inside the house inviting mold to grow, especially in bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
• Living in a humid house. If the humidity level in your home is greater than 50% or if you have leaky pipes or places that water comes in when it rains, you have the ideal environment for mold. Some places to check for mold: bathroom grout, carpets, carpet pads and behind walls.
• Working in a damp environment. Some occupations with a higher risk of mold exposure due to damp conditions include winemaking, farming, carpentry, greenhouse work and furniture repair.

Treatment for a mold allergy is similar to treatment for any other allergy. Some allergy-relieving products are available over-the-counter, while others may require a prescription from your doctor.

Certain foods can also trigger a mold allergy. It’s important to examine any food for signs of mold; but if you have a mold allergy, don’t smell the food to see if it's bad — inhaling any mold spores could set off an allergic reaction.

If you are allergic to mold, eat these foods with caution and be sure they are fresh, because they become moldy quickly:

• Mushrooms
• Sour cream
• Yeast breads
• Meat or fish more than 24 hours old or pickled meats and fish
• Canned juices
• Sausage and hot dogs
• Dried fruits (particularly prunes, dates, figs and raisins)

Because mold allergies occur year-round, it’s important to take steps to reduce your exposure to mold indoors as well as outdoors.

Keep these tips in mind for mold control in two key trouble spots, the kitchen and the bathroom:

• Bathroom: Clean vinyl shower curtains regularly with disinfectant and wash fabric shower curtains with detergent. Sponge off the walls around the tub after showering and leave the curtain and bathroom door open when not in use to improve air flow and keep mold from building up.
• Kitchen: Keep the kitchen counters and the area under the kitchen sink clean and dry. And don’t forget the fridge — wipe any excess moisture from your refrigerator regularly to prevent mold from developing. And, of course, throw out any food that appears moldy!