Mold and mildew spores are common allergens that affect many people in varying degrees. Individuals who have dust, dust mite, pollen, cockroach or animal dander allergies may be more susceptible to experiencing symptoms from mold exposure. Conditions closely linked to mold and mildew allergies include:

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This is a condition which produces an immunologic response to the Aspergillus mold. ABPA has symptoms that are similar to asthma. Aspergillosis fungi (or other fungi) actually colonize the bronchial mucus. If ABPA is left untreated, however, an infection in the lungs can result, leading to permanent lung damage (fibrosis or bronchiectasis).
  
  
• Aspergillus sinusitis. A condition caused by an Aspergillus allergy that affects the sinus cavity and head. Aspergillosis fungi (or other fungi) colonize the sinus cavity. It can cause headaches, congestion and discomfort in the face. For those with a weakened immune system, this type of allergy can lead to an infection. In this case the sinusitis is a form of invasive aspergillus that may cause more serious symptoms like a fever. Left untreated, an invasive aspergillus can lead to death. A diagnosis can be made in these instances by locating the aspergillus mold in fluid or sinus tissue or by other methods. 
  
  
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen. Usually inhaled, these triggers generate allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.
  

  
  

• Asthma. A chronic inflammation of the body’s bronchial tissues that afflicts millions of people in the United States. Mold allergies can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals. Mold exposure may also cause asthma. People with asthma experience shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.
  

  
  

• Allergic conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye (conjunctiva) as the result of an allergic reaction. It can result in itching, burning and redness of the eye, swollen eyelids, excessive tearing, eye discharge and other eye-related symptoms.
  

  
  

• Allergic bronchitis. An allergic inflammation in the lower airway of the respiratory system. It is a type of asthma, an inflammatory condition of the airways. Allergic bronchitis is also linked with allergic rhinitis. This occurs through the nature of the respiratory system, which is a continuum from the nose to the lungs.
  

  
  

• Sinusitis. Inflammation of the sinus cavities in the face caused by infection, allergies or irritants. Symptoms include runny nose, headache, dental sensitivity, nasal congestion and facial swelling.
  

  
  

• Contact dermatitis. A skin reaction that occurs after direct skin contact with an allergen or irritant.
  

  
  

Individuals with certain health problems may experience more severe allergic reactions or their conditions may worsen when exposed to mold. Conditions of concern include:

• Skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis)
  
  
• Chronic illnesses (e.g., COPD)
  
  
• Weakened immune systems, as seen in infants, the elderly, HIV patients, chemotherapy patients and transplant recipients

Although cheese and yogurt are made with specific types of mold, there is no evidence that skin contact with or ingestion of these foods leads to an allergic reaction connected to mold and mildew allergies. However, milk allergy sufferers may be highly allergic to both yogurt and cheese.