For residents in Southlake, Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding communities like Roanoke and Keller, allergies are often a year-round reality. If you find yourself sneezing or congested while indoors, you might suspect your home is to blame. Two of the most common indoor culprits are mold and dust mites.
Because both triggers cause similar respiratory issues, it can be difficult to tell them apart without professional help. At Texas Regional Asthma and Allergy Center, our specialists use clinical expertise and precise testing to determine exactly what is causing your discomfort.
The Overlapping Symptoms
Both mold and dust mite allergies are types of perennial allergic rhinitis. They often present with:
- Sneezing and a runny or stuffy nose.
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes.
- Postnasal drip.
- Coughing or wheezing, especially in patients with asthma.
How We Distinguish the Two
While the symptoms look alike, an allergist looks for specific patterns and environmental clues to differentiate the source.
1. Environmental Triggers Mold spores thrive in high-humidity environments. If your symptoms get worse in damp basements, bathrooms, or outdoors after a heavy rain, mold is a likely suspect. Dust mites, however, live in fabrics. If you notice your symptoms are most intense while making the bed, vacuuming, or first thing in the morning after being in contact with pillows and mattresses, dust mites are the probable cause.
2. Seasonal Fluctuations Dust mite levels remain relatively constant throughout the year, though they may spike when you turn on your heater for the first time in winter. Mold levels fluctuate with the outdoor humidity and dew point. In the Fort Worth, TX, area, mold counts can soar following a humid front, even if you are staying indoors.
3. Physical Examination and Testing The most reliable way to distinguish between these allergies is through skin prick testing. During this process, a tiny amount of concentrated mold and dust mite allergen is introduced to the skin. A small, mosquito-bite-like bump (called a wheal) indicates a specific sensitivity.
Why the Distinction Matters
The treatment for mold and dust allergies differs significantly. If you have a dust mite allergy, we may recommend physical barriers like mite-proof mattress encasements or specialized HEPA air purifiers. If mold is the issue, management focuses on moisture control, such as using dehumidifiers to keep indoor humidity below 50% and repairing hidden leaks.
In more persistent cases, knowing the exact allergen allows our team to provide immunotherapy (allergy shots) or biologics personalized to your specific immune response. This proactive approach helps desensitize your body over time, providing long-term relief rather than just masking symptoms.
If you are tired of guessing which indoor trigger is making you miserable, a visit to our Southlake or Fort Worth offices, also serving the communities of Roanoke and Keller, can provide the clarity you need to breathe easier. Call (817) 421-0770.