Chronic allergies are nothing if not annoying – and, as any who suffers from them can tell you, that annoyance can become positively debilitating if left unchecked. Most allergies that are related to pollen are seasonal, meaning that symptoms become more pronounced at certain times of the year. However, if you’ve noticed that your allergies are present year-round or your symptoms worsen during the cold, rainy winter months, you may be dealing with mold-related allergies rather than run of the mill hay fever. Mold growth is a common problem in many homes, and even if you can’t see it with your naked eye, it might still be present behind bathroom tiles or underneath carpets or flooring. Health problems commonly associated with mold growth are easy to confuse with ordinary allergy symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion, eye irritation and more. If you have asthma, breathing in mold spores – which contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds – can even trigger an attack. While any type of mold can contribute to these symptoms, black mold – a particularly noxious strain – can lead to serious problems for children and the elderly, or anyone who has been exposed to the mold for prolonged periods of time.

Luckily, if your allergies are related to mold growth in your home, there is a solution that can improve your health almost instantly: The services of a professional mold remediation company. Getting rid of the mold can help you feel better immediately, and maintaining a mold-free home will ensure that you stay healthy and comfortable for many years to come. Here’s what to do if you suspect you may be suffering from mold-related allergies:

1. First, if you’re not 100% sure that mold is the problem (i.e., you can’t actually see the mold), you should have your house professionally tested. Mold testing tools and methods include the use of a moisture meter, the taking of dust samples to check for spores, and the use of infrared cameras, which can spot mold that is invisible to the human eye.

2. Next, fix any leaks you have noticed in your home, and dry the area as thoroughly as possible.

3. Hire a professional mold remediation company to remove the mold. If you have mold that is only confined to a small area, you may be tempted to try to remove it yourself; however, this is not recommended, as doing so can be a health hazard. Keep in mind that while hard surfaces can be scrubbed clean, moldy drywall, insulation, tiles and carpet must be thrown out and replaced.

4. Prevent future mold growth by providing adequate ventilation in bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens. If these rooms lack windows, try installing exhaust fans.

5. Insulate windows and doors against the elements to protect against outside moisture.

6. Finally, never attempt to clean up any moldy surface on your own without sufficient protection, including a mask with a respirator.

These steps can help you remedy the mold situation in your home, and hopefully restore your health completely. Don’t mistake the true source of your allergies for one more day; instead, contact a mold removal company and set yourself free from those annoying, persistent symptoms.