Alternaria allergy

Alternaria alternata- what is it and what can it cause?

What is Alternaria ?

 Alternaria alternata is a fungus which occurs on plants.

What allergic disease can it cause ?

 It is a common inhalant allergen it can cause both allergic rhinitis and asthma.

What are the symptoms of Alternaria allergy ?

·     Congested nose

·     Itchy nose

·     Runny eyes

·     Sneezing

·     Coughing

·     Wheezing

·     Skin irritation

Where does it occur?

 It occurs indoor in damp areas and outdoors in warm dry areas

How can an allergy to it be diagnosed?

 Diagnosis can primarily be made via skin prick testing, which can also be supported by specific IgE blood test

What is the treatment?

 Mould avoidance where possible.

Anti allergy medications can also be prescribed by your doctor.

 How do you remove mould?

 If mould is detected in rooms, the mould should be treated and the allergic individual should avoid that room until the mould has been treated – where practical.

Carpet, dry wall that has been infiltrated by the mould should also be removed.

There are commercial mould removing sprays that you can apply – follow the instructions as per the manufacturers guidelines.  

Room dehumidifiers can be used to help reduce mould recurrence.

Ventilation in rooms where mould has occurred is important.

Use a High Efficiency particulate air filter  (HEPA) on your vacuum.

Fix leaks that may be contributing to the leaks.

How can you avoid outdoor mould?

 Mould generally occurs on rotting leaves, trees and grasses.

When mould levels are high outdoors, it is advisable to keep doors windows closed, try and keep garden free of rotting leaves, trees and wood and avoid walking in marshy wooded areas.

 What is Alternaria spinach syndrome?

When a person id affected by Alternaria mould allergy they can have a cross reaction when spinach is consumed that is contaminated with Alternaria. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe anaphylaxis.

Spinach is not the only food that has a potential to be contaminated with Alternaria mould, other foods such as mushrooms and quorn have been cited in the literature as potentially causing a reaction for people with Alternaria alternata allergy.