Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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What are Molds?
Moulds grow everywhere both indoors and outdoors.
Exposure to mold is widespread and it is difficult to determine how much mold an individual is exposed to in everyday life. Like dust mite allergy, mold allergies are non-seasonal, and sufferers show symptoms throughout the year.
Molds release spores, and it is these spores that cause allergic reactions in people. Spores are microscopic particles released by molds into their thousands into the atmosphere. Spores come into contact with the skin, eyes and nose, causing symptoms such as eczema, itchy eyes, rhinitis and when breathed in, asthma.
Molds favor damp musty conditions, therefore outside they can be found in piles of rotting leaves, grass cuttings, compost heaps and garden sheds. Inside, molds can be found on food that is going off, such as the black and white fur found on cheese, bread, fruit and vegetables.
Common Molds:
- Cladosporium Herbarium: This is the most frequently encountered mold in the air. Levels of this mold increase in the spring and rise to a peak in the late summer and autumn. It can be found in soil, dead plants, and window frames, houses with poor ventilation, damp areas as well as fridges and food.
- Aspergillus Fumigatus: Compared to other molds, the concentration of spores in the air is relatively low. It can be found in soil, leaf and plant litter, decaying vegetables, bird droppings and tobacco.
- Alternaria Alternate: The most common habitats for this mold are rotten wood, composts, forest plants, foodstuffs and soil.
How to avoid molds:
While it is impossible to totally avoid being exposed to airborne spores, the following measures can help you reduce your exposure to them:
- Molds thrive in damp environments, therefore one of the best ways to prevent their growth is ventilation. Rooms that are at risk are bathrooms and kitchens.
- Avoid spending time in damp attics, cellars or sheds.
- Keep all bathroom/kitchen surfaces clean.
- Clean and dry the inside and seal of your fridge regularly.
- Do not store clothes or shoes in damp cupboards. Leave wardrobe doors ajar to ventilate the clothes.
- Keep houseplants to a minimum and change the soil regularly.
- Allergy bedding covers will protect you from mold spores within the mattress, pillows and duvets.
- Facemasks (like those worn by cyclists) are effective at trapping spores before they are breathed in.
Chemical solutions - there are various sprays and solutions available that eradicate molds and deter their growth. These are especially effective on windows, bathrooms and fridges. Frequent use is recommended.
Other sources of information about allergies:
The British Society For Allergy & Clinical Immunology www.
Allergy UK http://
Contact details:
Frimley Park hospital
Generic ENT Secretaries Frimley: 0300 613 5000
fhft.ENTClinicalAdminFPH@
Wexham Park Hospital
Generic ENT Secretaries Wexham: 0300 615 5000
Email: fhft.entclinicaladminhwph@
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ear or nose and throat (ENT) service.
About this information
Service:
Ear, nose and throat (ENT)
Reference:
G/002
Approval date:
23 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.