Asthmatics may want to steer clear of molds according to French researchers who say they found a link between asthma severity and two types of mold.

Until now, there has been scant evidence that sensitization to molds is associated with severity of asthma, the researchers note. The findings have implications for prevention and treatment of the illness.

Allergic rhinitis (caused by pollen and other airborne allergens) accounts for nearly 10 million physician office visits in the U.S. annually.

Americans spend nearly 90% of their lives inside and often take indoor air quality for granted. However, asthma is the most common lung disease linked with indoor pollutants. Asthma is a serious health condition claiming more than 5,000 lives each year. More than 15 million people have allergies. Most people with asthma also have allergies; however, not all people with allergies have asthma.

People with asthma who are sensitized to airborne molds should be educated to pay careful attention to symptoms and comply with treatment, particularly during the seasonal increase in mold spore counts.

The number of children under age 18 who have asthma has increased every year since 1985. In fact asthma is now at epidemic proportions worldwide, especially among school-aged children.