When To See The Doctor
It is possible to mistake your symptoms for a cold, flu, asthma or pneumonia. It is important to help your doctor make the right diagnosis by disclosing any information of whether you were exposed to mold. As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical help as it can lower the chances of serious infection. Mold in the lungs can cause other serious health problems in the future, if it is not addressed in time. During your visit, your doctor may perform several tests to confirm or disprove a diagnosis. Blood tests are used to measure your immune systems response to mold and a skin prick test is used to check reactions to common allergens.
It is important to take precautionary measures to prevent exposure to mold. Stay away from places that you are likely to be exposed to mold. Lung infections can develop into life-threatening conditions if no proper treatment is provided. If you experience any symptoms related to mold-illness, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention to prevent your symptoms from worsening.
Elderly Patients With Pneumonia Twice As Likely To Die As Those With Broken Hips
Posted by RT Staff | Apr 18, 2020 | Pneumonia |
Elderly patients who are hospitalized with pneumonia are twice as likely to die as those hospitalized with hip fractures, yet many elderly people fail to accurately assess their risk of pneumonia, concludes research which will be presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases .
The study is by Leslie Grammatico-Guillon, University of Tours, France, and colleagues.
Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can be life-threatening, especially in elderly people. Despite these concerns, elderly people mostly fail to accurately gauge their own pneumonia risk, leading to inadequate prevention efforts, especially low uptake of existing vaccines. The mismatch between the high risk of disease and death from pneumonia and low awareness of its potential severity represent a driver of unhealthy aging.
On the contrary, breaking a hip is widely recognized as a major concern for the elderly. To change this trivialisation of pneumonia in the elderly and help increase vaccination uptake, the authors compared 2-year outcomes for elderly patients aged 80 years and over after hospitalization for acute respiratory infection or hip fracture .
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When To See A Healthcare Provider
If youve been sick with respiratory symptoms and think you could have pneumonia, its very important that you seek medical care.
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Lingering fever with heavy mucus
- Extreme fatigue
You should also call your provider if you think you could have been exposed to a fungus that could cause fungal pneumonia, especially if you are at risk because of your age or weak immune system. Read on for some of the possible places you may encounter such fungi.
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Mold And Babies: How Mold Can Affect Your Baby
Most babies encounter a case of the common cold, a headache, runny nose, etc. Its perfectly normal! You take your baby to a doctor, get some meds and everything gets better. However, when do these common cold symptoms go from normal to scary? Consistency. If the prescribed medicine from the doctor does not work, you will begin to raise your eyebrows. What if the symptoms begin to worsen? Im sure that many questions and concerns will come to mind. And you should be concerned because this could be a mold problem. And as Im sure you know, mold and babies do not make a good combination.
Causes Of Death After Hip Fracture
What do patients die from after a hip fracture? The 2011 study found that when compared with controls of similar ages, a greater number of women died of pneumonia and cognitive disorders.
In the analysis, a number of causes of short-term mortality were suggested, including problems that can occur after surgery .
In addition, health problems that could have led to the fall in the first place such as dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , and cardiovascular diseaseare also cited as contributors to the increased mortality.
The researchers note that generally speaking, people who break a hip are more functionally impaired before the fracture when compared with those who do not have a fracture.
While age is a major risk factor for falls, a person who is healthy and fit may be considered to have a lower chronological age, leaving them less susceptible to falls and fractures.
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How Can Aspergillosis Be Prevented
Due to the prevalence of aspergillus mold in the environment, it is very difficult to avoid exposure. It is best to avoid locations with excessive amounts of dust or mold, such as construction sites or compost piles. People with weakened immune systems or mold allergies should avoid activities such as gardening or lawn mowing. If exposure to airborne dust or mold is likely, considering wearing a face mask or N95 mask. In some cases, your doctor might recommend the use of an antifungal medicine to prevent infection.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/09/2019.
References
Complications Of Fungal Pneumonia
If fungal pneumonia progresses, a number of potentially very dangerous complications arise:
- Lung abscess:Advanced cases of fungal pneumonia cause pusviscous, yellowish or green fluidto collect in the cavities of the lungs.
- Pleural disorders:The pleura can become diseased or inflamed.
- Pulmonary edema: This condition, caused by the buildup of fluid in the lungs, causes serious breathing difficulties.
- Respiratory failure:Severe inflammation within the lungs can prevent them from performing their function of bringing in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, hampering breathing.
If the infection spreads from the lungs to the bloodstream, other parts of the body become vulnerable. This leads to a number of serious conditions, including:
- Fungal meningitis: If the infection spreads to the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spine, fungal meningitis arises. This potentially fatal condition’s symptoms include headache, fever, and stiff neck.
- Kidney failure:Fungal pneumonia can damage the kidneys, which serve to filter and clean the bloodstream. When damage occurs, harmful waste products can build up in the body.
- Other organ failure:The liver and spleen also may become damaged as the infection progresses in the body.
- Cardiac effects:Severe cases of pneumonia can result in heart problems and issues with circulation. In turn, the risk of stroke, heart failure, or heart attack is increased.
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Top Tips For Controlling Mold
Its impossible to get rid of all mold and mold spores in your home, but because mold spores cant grow without moisture, reducing moisture in your home is the best way to prevent or eliminate mold growth. If there is already mold growing in your home, its important to clean up the mold and fix the problem causing dampness. If you clean up the mold but dont fix the problem, the mold will most likely return.
Following is some advice for reducing moisture throughout the home with specific tips for the areas most prone to dampness and mold growth:
Around the house:
- Use exhaust fans to move moisture outside whenever you are cooking, washing dishes, or cleaning.
- Turn off certain appliances if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
- Check for leaks around the kitchen sink, refrigerator ice makers, and other sources of water. Repair if necessary.
- Empty and clean refrigerator drip pans if necessary.
In basements and crawl spaces:
In the laundry room:
- Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
- Make sure the vent is clear of obstructions, such as lint, and that there are no holes that leak air. If the vent duct is damaged, replace it with a metal duct. Have the duct cleaned at least once a year.
- Avoid leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket or dryer. Wash and dry them promptly.
In bathrooms:
Understanding The Dangers Of Mold And Mildew In Your Hvac System
You may know how to deal with mold and mildew in your kitchen, bathroom, or other rooms in your home. However, mold and mildew can also be a problem lurking in your HVAC system. Every time your HVAC system turns on, thousands of microscopic mold spores travel through the air ducts of your home and circulate through the air, where they are easy to inhale and nearly impossible to spot. The presence of mold in your HVAC system can cause several health problems by compromising the cleanliness of the air in your home. Fortunately, by recognizing the steps necessary to spot and prevent mold, you can eliminate this hazard before it does any lasting damage.
As experts in the HVAC industry, weve prepared this easy guide to help you understand how mold and mildew develop, how you can spot them, and what you can do to prevent their growth.
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What Are Possible Complications Of Hip Fracture
Serious complications can result from a hip fracture. Blood clots can happen in the veins, usually in your legs. If a clot breaks off, it can travel to a blood vessel in your lung. This blockage, called a pulmonary embolism, can be fatal.
Other complications can include:
- Nonunion or improper union of your bone
- Mental deterioration after surgery in older patients
- Bedsores from lying in the same position with minimal movement
With some fractures, blood cant circulate properly to the head of the thigh bone. This results in a loss of blood supply to this area. This is called femoral avascular necrosis. This complication may happen, depending on the type of fracture and the anatomy of your blood supply to the head of the thigh bone. This is more common with femoral neck fractures.
Most people spend 1 to 2 weeks in the hospital after a hip fracture. The recovery period may be lengthy and may include admission to a rehabilitation facility. If you were previously able to live independently, you will generally need help from home caregivers or family, or need the services of a long-term care facility. Hip fractures can result in a loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and depression. This is especially true for older people.
Can Fungal Pneumonia Be Prevented
There are steps you can take to prevent fungal pneumonia. These are even more important if you have a weak immune system:
- Practice health-promoting lifestyle habits: You can support your overall health and immune function by eating a healthful diet that meets your nutritional needs, avoiding or limiting substances like tobacco and alcohol, staying physically active, and making it a priority to get enough equality sleep.
- Stay up-to-date: Having regular health screenings and recommended vaccinations can also help you stay healthy.
- Avoid exposures: If you can, avoid places where fungi that could cause pneumonia live. When that is not possible , take precautions like wearing proper safety equipment and clothes that cover your body fully.
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How Chas Roberts Can Help
At Chas Roberts, were no strangers to the risks and dangers caused by mold and mildew in your HVAC system. We do our part to keep the air in your home clean and safe for your family by offering system maintenance and the industry knowledge that comes from more than 75 years of experience. Contact us today if you suspect you may have a problem caused by mold and mildew.
What Medical Tests Are Available To Determine If I Am Allergic Tomold
There are medical tests to determine if you are allergic to a particularsubstance, such as mold. These can be performed on skin or blood. Skin testsare considered more reliable than blood tests to determine allergic reaction toa substance. Skin tests yield results more quickly, are less expensive thanblood tests and are generally considered more sensitive. If an individual hassymptoms year-round, which may indicate an indoor allergy, skin testing may berecommended.
Blood testing called the RAST test can be done to showif you are allergic to a substance. The RAST test detects levels of antibodiesto particular allergens. The test is expensive to perform and results areusually not available for about two weeks.
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Physical And Neurological Symptoms Related To Toxic Mold Exposure
Some varieties of mold, such as toxic black mold, contributes to a range of troubling physical and neurological conditions. Mold exposure has been implicated in cases of chronic anxiety and depression. For example, and its a notorious cause of brain fog . Black mold sickness, as it is sometimes called, leads to chronic fatigue and joint pain. It has even been suggested that habitual mold exposure may be a factor in the development of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, though a direct cause and effect relationship has not yet been established.
Clearly, mold is much more than a smelly, unattractive organic pest that sometimes leads to substantial property damage . Mold exposure can cause significant health problems, both acute and chronic in nature. If you believe that your home may be infested with mold, call IndoorDoctor to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. Only a professional who is trained in mold remediation can properly mitigate the threat mold poses to you.
Facts About Mold and Dampness. The CDC, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/dampness_facts.htm
What are Allergies? Everyday Health.
Mold in Lungs. Mold Answers.
Health Check: how does household mould affect your health? The Conversation, 2015.
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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The Science Behind Mold And Babies
Babies immune systems are still growing so they are much more susceptible illnesses. A baby is an easy target! In fact, Vicki Lankarge, author of What Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Mold , reported 45 infant exposure cases in Ohio since 1994 and 16 of these infants died. Thats a 36% mortality rate. Why is this stuff so dangerous to babies? Well, when a baby breathes in mycotoxins, the blood vessels in the babys lungs are weakened, pulmonary hemorrhaging is possible, and even a possibility of bleeding inside of the babys lungs.
Side note: If a baby has consistent exposure to both mold and cigarettes, the chances of pulmonary hemorrhaging increases even more.
When a baby survives a major condition due to mold, it is likely to follow him/her for a lifetime. The Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology once published a study which surrounded the subject of mold and asthma. According to the study, infant exposure has not yet had a direct link to asthma later on in life. However, it does suggest that there is link between consistent exposure and the development of chronic inflammation of the lung airways. Chronic inflammation causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. I wont go too far into detail here since weve recently established a list of moldy conditions that can possibly affect your life forever.
Sputum Examination And Potassium Hydroxide Stain
This study may show fungal hyphae or yeasts. However, the results must correlate with the clinical situation, because saprophytic colonization occurs in the oropharyngeal or respiratory tract of some patients and may not necessarily indicate invasive infection.
Carefully transport, process, and culture specimens that may be contaminated by bacteria, may be saprophytic yeasts endogenous to the oral cavity, and may be airborne conidia of saprophytic fungi.
The diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcal infection is confirmed if the organism is grown in culture from sputum or BAL fluid in a patient who has clinical symptoms and radiographic finding compatible with cryptococcosis.
Histoplasmosis is definitively diagnosed by growth of the organism in sputum BAL fluid, lung tissue, or mediastinal nodes can be cultured.
In pulmonary sporotrichosis, the recovery of the fungi by culture of sputum and/or positive bronchoscopy are required for diagnosis.
Cultures from sputum samples collected by fiber optic bronchoscopy are not valuable for the diagnosis of pneumonia by Candida. To make the diagnosis, a biopsy is required to demonstrate tissue invasion. Colonization of the respiratory tract by Candida is very frequent in critically ill patients with mechanical ventilation, but pneumonia by Candida is extremely rare because the innate defense mechanisms of the lungs make them relatively resistant to candida invasion.
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What Are Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds
Another source of irritation from mold exposure comes from substances knownas microbial volatile organic compounds . These compounds are producedthrough fungal metabolism and are released directly into the air, often givingoff strong or unpleasant odors. Exposure to mVOCs from molds can irritate theeyes and respiratory system and has been linked to symptoms such as headaches,dizziness, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea. The effects of mVOCs are notcompletely understood and research is still in the early stages.
Risk Factors Of Complications
In this study, the only significant risk factor of developing a complication was having a high CCI . Other studies also show that having more comorbidities is the strongest risk factor for complications . Risk factors close to statistical significance are having an A3 type intertrochanteric fracture and getting general instead of spinal anesthesia. The A3 type intertrochanteric fracture is classified as unstable and more difficult to treat than other trochanteric fractures. Patients seem to need more analgesics , which might lead to more complications. Type of anesthesia is a modifiable risk factor. In this study, the number of patients that underwent general anesthesia was high . Whether general or spinal anesthesia leads to fewer complications in hip fracture patients is still a matter of debate . The recent Cochrane review did not find a difference in either technique and asked for more research . Most important factor seems to be the patient himself: for some cardiac conditions general anesthesia is more safer, for other pulmonary or neurological conditions spinal anesthesia is preferred.
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