Can Black Mold Give You Headaches

The Medical Community Is Still Trying To Figure Out What Causes Migraines

Migraines were long assumed to be a result of vascular changes, but now research points to anatomical and or physiologic brain differences as being an associated factor. It is not know if the brain changes in migraine sufferers are from birth and associated with genetics, or if they were environmnetallly induced or caused by the migraines. It is known that 50% of migraine sufferers have family members who also have migraines. This fact does point to an involvement of genetics and some type of predisposition. However, both vascular changes, and the brain changes are still not necessarily the cause, but simply associated with migraines. Genetics might make the person more susceptible to migraines, but we still want to know what is setting them off. We still need to know what environmental, and lifestyle factors, or other activities of the indivual might be in involved as triggers for the person predisposed to having migraines. These factors have been hard to identify as the initiation of a migraine actually takes place days before the actual headache begins. For people living in a moldy environmnet they can have headaches, including migraines quite often if they are continually being exposed to mycotoxins. Many of these people and even their practitioners do not realize that migraines can be caused by mold.

How Dangerous Is Black Mold In Bathroom

Mold produces allergens. It may cause those that are sensitive to respiratory problems to experience allergic reactions, increased asthma attacks, or hay fever. Other symptoms could include nausea, skin rashes, dizziness, headaches, etc and these effects are just from mold that is considered non-toxic.

Growth Spots Of Varying Colors

Black mold, as the name implies, is often dark in color. When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it.

Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance. Larger growths of mold may appear as a black stain that stretches along your wall, floor or ceiling.

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Black Mold Symptoms You Should Know

• Written by Luke Arthur on Apr 08, 2010To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience.Reviewed by Lindani Chirambadare on Nov 15, 2019

Black mold is a serious problem that many people are faced with every day, as it can spread easily and swiftly if not attended to. Breathing these mold spores is hazardous to your health and can lead to many health problems. In order to prevent more serious conditions, you should familiarize yourself with a few of the common symptoms that come with black mold infestation.

1. Troubled Breathing

One of the most common symptoms resulting from black mold spores is difficult breathing. Obviously, many people with asthma are affected worse than others when black mold is present, and this is why this symptom is often overlooked. Many people think that it is only the asthma or some other condition causing the breathing problems. However, if you notice ongoing breathing problems with any member of your family, it might be a good idea to have a black mold test done in your home.

2. Headaches

3. Red Eyes

4. Skin Irritation

This problem has also been known to cause serious skin conditions to those that are frequently subjected to it. This could surface as a rash, hives, or other skin irritation.

5. Memory Loss

6. Dizziness

7. Mental Processing Failure

8. Blood Pressure Problems

What Are Black Mold Symptoms

Black mold can cause allergic reactions and health problems when people are exposed to it. Symptoms vary depending on a variety of factors. For example, people are more at risk if they have allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions. Infants, children, elderly people, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems also are more likely to experience black mold symptoms.

In general, toxic black mold elicits a respiratory response in the form of chronic coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, headaches, fatigue and rashes. Severe reactions can occur if people are exposed to a very large area of black mold, or if its over an extended period. In that case, dangerous symptoms requiring immediate medical assistance include nausea, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, and bleeding in the lungs and nose.

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How Can Mold Affect My Health

Many molds can cause health effects. Molds produce allergens, irritants and,sometimes, toxins that may cause adverse reactions in humans. A reaction tomold depends on how much a person is exposed to, the age of the person and thepersons sensitivities or allergies. The same amount of mold may causehealth effects in one person, but not in another.

Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who havetouched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as arunny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching. Molds can trigger asthma attacks in people who are allergic tomolds, causing wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. A diseaselike pneumonia may also develop after exposure to mold, but this is uncommon.

Infectious diseases from molds can occur in people with weakened immunesystems, such as those who are immune-compromised or immune-suppressed fromdrug treatment. Some types of mold are known to cause infections inimmune-compromised people. Such infections can affect the skin, eyes, lungs orother organs. These are considered opportunistic infections that usually do notaffect healthy people.

Can Black Mold Spores Travel In The Air

Yes. Mold spores are airborne and can attach themselves to peoples skin, clothing, shoes, shopping bags, furniture, carpets, and even pets. Once spores enter your home, they can settle onto any surface and start to multiply. They can also enter your house through open doorways, open windows, and HVAC systems.

Mold spores are microscopic and are virtually found everywhere. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch.

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Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

What Should I Do If I Have Any of these Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

Your first port of call is your doctor. He or she can rule out other health problems that might be causing your symptoms. Know that a physician cant diagnose mold exposure using just blood or urine tests. Youll need to have your home or workplace inspected by professionals. You might think that you can simply check with your family or colleagues to see if they exhibit similar symptoms. But unfortunately, some people are more sensitive to mold than others. So you might develop symptoms and the guy in the next cubicle is none the wiser.

Your doctor will prescribe a program of treatment. But there are things that you can do to help:

• Don a protective mask and gloves to clean any visible mold in your home.
• Report the mold to the building manager if its in your workplace.
• Keep on top of mold growth to stop it from releasing as many spores.
• Run a dehumidifier in the bathroom or kitchen to make them less attractive spaces for mold to grow.
• Once youve removed the visible mold, have your air ducts cleaned regularly.

If youve recently had mold removed from your home call Fresh Aire Duct Cleaning at 275-5556 or contact us online to schedule a duct cleaning service in Los Angeles! You need to make sure youre not simply transmitting mold spores around your home.

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Preventing Mold In Your Home

The best way to keep your family safe from black mold is to prevent it from growing. Since mold grows in damp, dark places, you should aim to improve ventilation and reduce humidity in areas that are prone to mold.

In your bathrooms, for example, you can use a shower squeegee to remove excess water from shower walls and bathroom mirrors. You can also install a vent fan or open a window when showering to allow humidity to leave the room. These steps help reduce the moisture in your bathroom and make it more difficult for black mold to grow.

Make searching for black mold or potential growth areas a part of your spring cleaning routine. The sooner you catch a mold growth, the better chance you have to get rid of it before it causes health problems.

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Is Black Mould In Bathroom Dangerous

Black mold, stachybotrys, can cause more serious reactions. Its very important that if you see this type of mold which is usually dark green or black in color and, really, texture-wise its kind of slimy that you avoid the area because if that starts to break off, the mold spores can be very harmful, he said.Nov 15, 2019

Getting A Diagnosis For Mold Sickness

While symptoms to mold exposure are not uncommon , many health care professionals struggle to pinpoint the cause behind these symptoms.

Often only a few people or one person and not everyone, in a home or workplace experience symptoms. This is frustrating and confusing for the sick person. When their doctors cant find any reason for the illness, they can start to feel like the sickness is all in their mind.

People suffering from mold exposure can often be misdiagnosed with disorders such as:

• Depression

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Headaches Caused By Toxic Mold

Headaches, including migraines, are common mold sickness symptoms. Exposure to household mold can trigger a headache or migraine for many reasons. Sometimes they occur as a result of an allergic reaction to mold spores in the air. Sometimes its a result of sinus pressure caused by a sinus infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nasal and sinus cavities, which is a common symptom of mold exposure. Sometimes its a response to toxic substances called mycotoxins which are produced by some types of mold.

Does Mold Cause Headaches And Other Health Issues

To answer the question does mold cause headaches or other health problems, yes it does. It might not cause issues for everyone, but mold can cause headaches and other health issues as well if you have an allergic reaction to it.

Remember, those with respiratory issues, immune deficiencies, and those either young in age or old in age are more susceptible to having a reaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms and call the professionals to remove the mold for you.

For more topics as helpful as this one, keep checking back with us on a regular basis.

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How Does Black Mold Affect A Child

What are the symptoms of black mold exposure in children? Children who are allergic to mold may show symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes, wheezing and coughing. Black mold exposure can also cause irritant reactions in sensitive children, such as skin irritations, eye irritations or headaches.

Coughing And Shortness Of Breath

The irritation and inflammation caused by mold often lead to frequent coughing that is otherwise unexplained.

The throat and lungs are irritated continuously when repeatedly exposed to mycotoxins. If the issue isnt addressed, this coughing can develop into more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The same inflammation that causes irritated, constricted airways that lead to wheezing and coughing can eventually lead to shortness of breath.

This gives a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may feel like you are unable to take in a full breath.

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How To Get Rid Of Black Mold

Trying to kill or remove toxic black mold yourself is not advisable. If not handled properly, you could end up disturbing the black mold and releasing millions of spores and mycotoxins into the air. This could worsen you indoor air quality and cause damage to your home.

Since black mold is toxic, youre better off contacting a professional mold remediation company with experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes.

Mold removal specialists will be able to accurately determine the extent of the mold infestation and can suggest the right course of action for your home. If you suspect that your home has black moldthat is, if you can see and/or smell it .

A healthy, mold-free home ensures a healthy, happy family.

Is There A Test To Determine If I Have Been Exposed To Mold

Some physicians have recommended testing for mold-specific antibodies. Thepresence of antibodies only indicates that you have been exposed to a substanceat some time. It does not tell you when you were exposed, where the exposuretook place, or how much of the mold you were exposed to. Having a positive testfor mold-specific antibodies alone is generally considered insufficient toprove that health effects reported by individuals in moisture-damaged buildingsare caused by exposure to mold.

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Can Mold In Bathroom Make You Sick

In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not youre allergic to molds, mold exposure can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Heres what you can do to combat mold problems, and take care of yourself and your home.Feb 5, 2021

What Is The Best Cleaner For Mold In Shower

RMR-86 Super mold remover product. Clorox Tilex 01100 Good mold and mildew remover. Mold Armor FG502 Excellent mold and mildew cleaner for bathroom. Star Brite Remover Superb fiberglass shower cleaner to remove mildew. Skylarlife Mold & Mildew Remover Gel The fine way to clean shower mold and mildew.

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How Can You Tell The Difference Between Black Mold And Regular Mold

While other types of mold may have a fuzzy, light texture, black mold will usually be slimy or wet. Some early forms of black mold have a powdery feel. Rub the mold with a paper towel to determine the texture, but be sure to wear gloves, a face mask, coveralls, and safety goggles when going near mold.

Is Black Mold Dangerous Heres The Truth

The truth is, many people arent negatively affected by mold. However, mold can cause allergies in some people who are sensitive to mold. In these cases, it can make their lives miserable. Mold can also cause severe medical issues with a small percentage of people who have other health complications.

If youve seen a concerning growth in your home or been told that you have a black mold issue, you probably have a lot of questions.

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Why Does Mold Cause Vertigo

Any illness can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy, including mold-related infections. Infections affecting the inner ear, including ear infections and sinus infections, are particularly likely to upset your sense of balance. There is a reason for that.

There is a tube in your ear called the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear to the back of your throat. It helps equalize pressure in your ears and that helps maintain your balance. Allergies, sinus infections and ear infections can all cause the Eustachian tube to become clogged with mucus, and this affects the pressure in your ear and upsets your sense of balance.

Mold grows outdoors as well as indoors, of course, but the concentration of mold spores is much higher when mold is present indoors, creating a much greater risk.

How Do I Know If My Cough Is From Mold

Coughing. Another one of the most immediate symptoms of a mold allergy is a dry and scratchy throat, prompting a nagging cough. In some cases, mold can cause heavier coughs as well. Mucus and histamine production can lead to persistent coughing as your body tries to clear the throat of mucus buildup.

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Does Black Mold Make You Crazy

People who suffer from toxic-mold based illnesses may endure depression, anxiety, lack of focus, and brain fog, with some reporting insomnia. These cognitive and psychiatric symptoms may be present with or without the physical symptoms of mold exposure which can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, and headache.

Retrace Your Past Experiences

A case in point is a young male patient who came to Amen Clinics with complaints of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and brain fog. He was initially seen by one of our psychiatrists and referred to me for further workup. A careful history-taking found that these symptoms all started when he moved back home from college into his parents basement apartment. The whole family seems to have forgotten that the basement flooded on several occasions. Mold diagnostic testing revealed the patient had high levels of mold toxins in his body.

The first step is always to remove oneself from the moldy environment, and then treatment can begin. Treatment for a Toxic Brain typically consists of binding agents and other medications, such as antifungals, and metabolic support supplements. This patient improved with proper treatment and remediation of the mold problem. Here was a patient who didnt need any psychiatric medications he simply needed the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. What would have been the outcome for this patient without the proper diagnosis? He almost certainly would have been misdiagnosed as having a mental illness and treated with psychiatric medications.

The good news is that there are ways to determine if a patient has been exposed to toxic mold and that there are successful treatments available.

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