Hello doctor, I moved into an apartment four months back. Now that it is the end of summer we have had the AC off and the apartment feels very stuffy. To me, it has a smell to it not sure how to explain it. I know I am allergic to pets and dust, previously I know cats have lived here and there is carpet in the apartment and my allergies and the smell is worse in our bedroom. I walk in closet where there is no ventilation. Could it be a mold problem? I have a newborn. All I know is my allergies are horrible when the windows are closed.
Hi. Is there a way you can move the bedroom to a more ventilated area? Or the new born can be raised predominantly in the more ventilated area. In addition to molds and fungi, one should also vary of pollens. Pollens get dispersed with winds and can come inside the house through windows and can cause similar problems like molds. Just that molds and house dust mites (mites are found in carpets, curtains, upholstery, soft toys, etc.) are mostly perennial in causing allergies and pollens can be seasonal as well as perennial in doing so. You are right in suspecting mold in the less ventilated area. You can remove the carpets curtains in the bedroom and wash them in warm water if possible. You also get allergy free material from which curtains carpets and pillow covers can be stitched. If the baby starts showing symptoms of allergy, like sneezing, running nose, skin rashes, watering of eyes, you may need to find out what the baby is allergic to. Do revert back to me and I shall guide you further.