“Allergies are worse because of the mold growing,” he said. “The ones we always test for are Hormodendron and Alternaria; those are the ones that are prevalent.”

Molds are a kind of fungus; microscopic plants that make spores instead of seeds which float in the air like pollen. Molds grow in moist areas, such as a basement or bathroom, and in the outdoor environment in grass, leaf piles, hay and mulch.

Symptoms of a mold reaction are similar to other allergies. They include wheezing; stuffy or runny nose; itchy, watery eyes; and rash or hives.

In addition to increases in molds that are carried on the wind, wet weather conditions are also ripe for mold colonies that can be seen with the human eye.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excess moisture and standing water contribute to the growth of mold in homes and other buildings.

The CDC says that people with asthma, allergies or other breathing conditions may be more sensitive to mold. People with immune suppression (such as people with HIV infection, cancer patients taking chemotherapy, and people who have received an organ transplant) are more susceptible to mold infections.

The CDC says you can recognize mold growing inside two ways:

• Sight — Walls and ceiling are discolored, or show signs of mold growth or water damage.

• Smell — You can smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench.

Mold growth in a home should be cleaned up, and any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing should be fixed. Controlling moisture is the most critical factor for preventing mold growth.

Reach Keith Purtell at 684-2925 or kpurtell@muskogeephoenix.com.