Update on airborne mold and mold allergy

In considering the clinical aspects of fungal sensitivity, assessing exposu re potential and clinical testing are essential. Valid prevalence data are difficult to secure. For ambient air, the Burkard Volumeric Spore Traps, or equal, capture spores best. For in-home analysis for fungi, the history an d personal inspection of the house remains the most available method of ass essment. Allergy skin test material is unavailable for most airborne fungi. Those that are available are not standardized. Yet the practicing allergis t/clinical immunologist must select what fungal extract are available based on air sampling data and personal exposure of the patient. A major managem ent approach with patient with proven sensitivity to fungal antigens and a clear correlation with clinical illness is avoidance of fungal sources. Imm unotherapy should be considered when avoidance and well tolerated pharmacot herapy are ineffective in controlling the patient's symptoms.