Fungal Allergies in Indian Homes: How an Aspergillus Test Can Guide Your Doctor
Worried about fungal allergies in your Indian home? Learn how an Aspergillus test can help your doctor pinpoint the cause of symptoms and create a targeted treatment plan.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 10th Sep, 2025
Are you or a family member dealing with a persistent cough, wheezing, or nasal congestion that never fully goes away? If the symptoms keep returning, especially during the monsoon or in humid weather, the root cause may not be outside. It could be hiding inside your home.
A common indoor mould called Aspergillus fumigatus is a frequent but often overlooked cause of recurring allergy and respiratory problems in India.
Identifying this specific allergen is an important step toward finding long-term relief. A targeted Aspergillus fumigatus test can help your doctor make a clear and accurate diagnosis. This article explains how fungal allergies develop in Indian homes, how testing works, and how a simple fungal allergy blood test can lead to better treatment and improved health outcomes.
Understanding Aspergillus and Its Impact on Indoor Allergies
In many Indian homes, particularly in places with high humidity or frequent monsoon rains, it’s common for damp conditions to encourage the growth of mould. One of the most widespread and clinically important types found in such environments is Aspergillus fumigatus. This mould tends to grow on moist surfaces, in household dust, and on decaying materials like old leaves or plant matter.
Unlike the mould you might see growing on walls or ceilings, Aspergillus spreads by releasing tiny spores that are invisible to the naked eye. These microscopic particles float through the air and often go unnoticed. They're commonly found in everyday places like:
- Air conditioner vents and water coolers
- Damp or poorly ventilated rooms, such as basements
- Soil in potted plants
- Dust around the house and decaying leaves
For most people, inhaling these spores does not cause any problems. However, in individuals with sensitive immune systems, exposure to these spores can cause an allergic reaction. The immune system mistakenly treats the spores as harmful and reacts by causing inflammation in the airways.
Common Symptoms of Aspergillus-Related Allergies
When a person with a sensitive immune system inhales Aspergillus spores, the body may respond with an allergic reaction. This reaction causes inflammation in the respiratory tract and can lead to a range of symptoms that often resemble asthma or chronic sinus issues.
Typical symptoms include:
- Persistent cough: Often dry and long-lasting, especially in indoor environments with poor air circulation
- Sneezing and nasal congestion: Similar to seasonal allergies but may persist year-round
- Runny nose: Clear discharge that doesn’t improve with usual allergy medications
- Wheezing: A whistling sound while breathing, often linked to airway inflammation
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath: Especially noticeable during physical activity or in damp spaces
- Fatigue: Caused by ongoing inflammation and disrupted breathing
- Recurring sinus infections: In some cases, mould exposure can lead to chronic sinus problems
These symptoms may vary in intensity and can be mistaken for other conditions like asthma, bronchitis, or allergic rhinitis. That’s why proper testing and diagnosis are essential to identify Aspergillus as the underlying cause and begin appropriate treatment.
The Role of Aspergillus Testing in Allergy Diagnosis
Once there is a suspicion that Aspergillus spores may be affecting your health, the next step is to confirm whether they are responsible for your symptoms. A specific fungal allergy blood test can provide the answers.
In India, where damp indoor conditions are common, targeted testing can help identify mould-related allergies more accurately. Doctors typically recommend a blood test that detects how your immune system is responding to Aspergillus spores.
Two types of antibodies are usually measured:
- IgE antibodies: These are linked to immediate allergic reactions. High levels of IgE in response to Aspergillus suggest that symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or breathing difficulty may be caused by an allergic reaction.
- IgG antibodies: These indicate long-term or repeated exposure. High IgG levels may be associated with a more complex condition called Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), which often affects people with asthma or chronic lung conditions.
By identifying the specific immune response, your doctor can create a treatment plan that addresses the real cause of your symptoms. This makes care more effective and reduces the risk of ongoing respiratory problems.
Convenient and Reliable Aspergillus Test with Apollo 24|7
Apollo 24|7 offers several convenient testing options to detect Aspergillus-related allergies and provide clear information for diagnosis. These tests are safe, quick, and available across India, making it easier for patients to get the right care.
Aspergillus fumigatus test available includes:
- Allergy, Aspergillus Fumigatus: A blood test that checks for IgE antibodies, helping identify allergic reactions to Aspergillus.
- Aspergillus IgG Antibody: Measures IgG levels to assess long-term exposure or chronic infection.
- Aspergillus IgM Antibody: Detects IgM antibodies, which may indicate a recent or active infection.
- ABPA MINI PANEL: A set of tests used to diagnose Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA).
- ABPA SCREEN (Total IgE, Specific IgE AF): Provides a complete allergy profile, including total IgE and specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus
- These tests provide doctors with reliable data that supports accurate diagnosis and a more effective treatment approach.
How a Diagnosis Guides Treatment?
Once your doctor confirms that you have an allergy to Aspergillus, the next step is to create a treatment plan that suits your specific condition. This personalised approach helps manage symptoms more effectively and reduces the risk of long-term complications, especially if you have asthma or other respiratory issues.
Treatment may include:
- Reducing exposure at home: Improving airflow, using HEPA air purifiers, and keeping damp areas clean and dry can help limit contact with mould spores.
- Medications: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and inhalers may be prescribed to relieve symptoms like sneezing, wheezing, and congestion.
- Corticosteroids: If the allergy has progressed to a more serious condition such as Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA), corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation in the lungs.
- Immunotherapy: In some cases, allergy shots may be recommended to help your immune system become less sensitive to Aspergillus over time.
- The goal is to treat the root cause of your symptoms, not just mask them, so you can breathe easier and feel better in your daily life.
What to Expect After Diagnosis?
Managing an Aspergillus allergy is not a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process that involves medical care, home adjustments, and regular check-ins with your doctor. Here’s what you can typically expect after receiving a diagnosis:
- Symptom management through medication: Continued use of prescribed medications helps control allergic reactions and maintain respiratory health. Your doctor may adjust dosages based on your response to treatment.
- Environmental changes at home: You may need to make changes to reduce mould exposure, such as repairing leaks, using dehumidifiers, and cleaning mould-prone areas like basements and bathrooms. These steps are crucial to prevent flare-ups.
- Follow-up testing to monitor progress: Your doctor may recommend periodic blood tests to measure antibody levels. These tests help assess how well your treatment is working and whether adjustments are needed.
- Lifestyle support for overall health: If you have asthma or a chronic lung condition, additional support may include breathing exercises, dietary changes to reduce inflammation, and joining support groups for emotional and practical guidance.
Book Allergy, Aspergillus Fumigatus
Conclusion
Fungal allergies caused by Aspergillus are often missed in Indian homes where moisture and poor ventilation allow mould to grow easily. These allergies can lead to ongoing respiratory problems and worsen conditions like asthma. With the help of specific tests such as the Aspergillus IgE blood test, doctors can now diagnose these allergies more accurately and recommend a treatment plan that fits your needs.
If you or someone in your family has symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or nasal congestion that do not improve, it may be time to consider a fungal allergy. Early testing and personalised care can help you manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life at home.