Health Reality and Medical Advices

What are fungi?
Fungi are organisms belonging to the plant kingdom Tallophites order (along with algae and lichens). They reproduce through spores of a sexual or not, a distinction used in their classification. The most significant feature of fungi is the lack of chlorophyll, so they need a source of nutrition and manufactured organic compounds, behaving as saprophytes when they feed on decaying organic matter or as parasites when they settle on living organisms rather than plant or animals.

The fungi can colonize organic substrates inside and outside homes, in this case involved primarily in agricultural and livestock activities. The most important species belong to the family allergolical Deuteromicetae, but increasingly have to take more account of other families.

How can you identify mushrooms?
We can now determine the prevalence of fungi in the environment through different methods. First, it may be useful to direct microscopic counting dust samples for viewing hyphae and spores. Secondly available culture methods for growth and identification of fungi. Finally, there are effective volumetric collectors when the number of spores is important.
Allergy to fungi

Fungi do not have seasonal peaks as well defined as pollen, being present in the air as spores for longer periods of time. Only in the most northern peaks are fungi that start in May-June highs getting from July to August and ending in October-November. By contrast in South fungi may also be present during the winter but with peaks during the summer and early fall.

To what extent we can affect the fungi?
Symptoms of allergic sensitization boxes correspond to rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Clinical experience shows that the most intense crisis of asthma occur generally when the patient is exposed to the allergen massively in closed or poorly ventilated places, such as silos, storage of hay and straw, windmills, facilities for mushroom cultivation, basements , etc.

In outdoor environments is usually reached sufficient concentration to fungal aeroallergens directly precipitate an asthma attack.

From a clinical standpoint, the fungi that cause asthma are generally divided into fungi inside and outside homes. The most common outdoor fungi are Alternaria and Cladosporium. Outdoor fungi growing on plants and decaying vegetation in the soil, predominating in both rural communities and especially in those farms where hay is stored. The concentrations of fungi are affected by temperature, wind, rain and moisture. The rain may temporarily reduce fungal spore counts, but these quickly rise when finished. It is usually during the summer and autumn when it is the highest peak of spores.

The most important fungi within homes are Aspergillus and Penicilium, although the levels of Alternaria is gaining importance in recent years. The amount of fungi in indoor depends on several factors including the age of the house, insulation materials used, heating system and the use of humidifiers and air conditioners. The dark, damp and poor ventilation promote the growth of fungi. The kitchen and bathroom are usually the most polluted places by fungi. The central heating and humidification and cooling systems are also potential sources of fungal growth, although the air conditioning usually reduces the humidity and therefore the growth of fungi.

How can we control the fungi?
Measures to reduce exposure to fungal spores of the “exterior” include staying inside the house as long as possible and keep windows tightly closed house and car.

Most fungal spores found inside the home often find themselves part of this household dust in carpets, bedding and furniture. The measures commonly used to reduce concentrations of house dust mites are often the best solution to eliminate also the spores indoors. The installation of dehumidifiers in the basement and the use of air purifiers are also helpful. Bathrooms and kitchens should be well ventilated. If the patient’s home a wet basement or ground floor, should be recommended that they be installed adequate drainage systems and keep them free of carpets.

Advice for patients allergic to Mushrooms
Housing dry, sunny and airy. Use conditioners and dehumidifiers and clean carefully. No abuse of heating in winter (to avoid temperatures above 23 º C).

Repair and quickly seal the roof or leaking pipes. Never install carpet directly on concrete or damp floors, and avoid storing clothes, papers or other items in damp areas.

Not having plants inside, ventilate kitchens and bathrooms and eliminate food waste (garbage, food outside the refrigerator).

Perform household cleaning with chlorine at 5% (diluted bleach) or antifungal preparations (Natamycin). You can paint fungicide or fungicides used in an area prone to moisture.

Avoid visits to barns, cellars or basements.

Do not keep or hang wet clothes in places with poor ventilation.

Avoid physical exercise in areas with decaying organic matter.

You can also consider the use of air purifiers with HEPA filters.

The use of dehumidifiers in damp basements can be useful, but usually can not control the humidity in the house. Empty water from dehumidifiers and clean the units regularly. All rooms especially basements, bathrooms and kitchens, require ventilation and constant cleaning to prevent mold growth.

3 Responses to “Allergy to fungi”