Our Blood Profiles Are Unique
Our blood profiles are unique throughout the industry. Our custom blood profile panels test for multiple species of the most common species of Mold found in the homes and businesses throughout North America.
- Aspergillus
- Stachybotrys, and
- Multiple other Species
Along with the above Mold species we test for all major species of Mold documented to have caused U.S. Mold Sickness and Advanced Mold Diseases.
Do I Have Toxic Mold Poisoning
Last Updated on by Matt Pratt-Hyatt PhD
Home»Blog»Do I have Toxic Mold Poisoning?
Today Im going to deal with a common question, Do I have toxic mold poisoning? Another common question that is similar is Is mold really that serious, isnt mold everywhere? I will try and answer both of these questions. Most people are aware of mold because we see it every day.
There are literally thousands of mold species, however, not every species produces toxic compounds. However, water damage is becoming more and more common, which is leading to more mold exposure and mycotoxin production in homes, offices, and schools. However, even if the mold growth isnt producing toxins you might be reacting to the spores themselves.
Lets briefly talk about the two items you might be reacting to, what symptoms you might expect, and how to test to see if this is what is causing your problems.
Does Insurance Cover These Tests
RealTime Labs is an Authorized Medicare Provider and is an Authorized, Non-Network Provider with Tricare. They are considered an Out-Of-Network provider with all other insurance companies, including all Medicare Advantage plans. Payment is required in advance for the testing, however, RealTime Lab can assist with submission to your insurance company for reimbursement if requested.
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How Quickly Can Mold Make You Sick
There are several types of fungi that can be found in your house, down in the basement, or in the attic. Mold develops when the perfect environment is created, which is usually a combination of moisture, humidity, and organic material. Spores can migrate away from thriving colonies through the air, landing on shoes, blankets, showerheads, or your HVAC ductwork. As it spreads, it releases toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. These are the molecules that lead to illness.
Mold toxicity is considered a biotoxin illness, also called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. In this severe condition, there is a systemic inflammatory response that occurs after an individual has had intense exposure to toxigenic organisms. These organisms can include bacteria, mycobacterium, fungi, actinomycetes, and other inflammagens. It is common for people to suffer from an illness brought on by living conditions where water damage has occurred, and many of these individuals are unable to develop an antibody or immune response to mold toxins.
Almost everyone will experience some form of illness or response when their bodies are exposed to high enough levels of biotoxins, though each individual has a unique threshold or tolerance. There is no exact timeline for how soon a person will develop symptoms of mold exposure, but as mold spores rapidly multiply, individuals may experience certain discomforts within just a few hours of entering a mold-laden environment.
How To Cure Mold Related Asthma Symptoms
If youve ever experienced the effects of the persistent and hazardous micro-organism called mold, then you already know how unpleasant and debilitating these effects can be.
The very first step in doing away with your symptoms is to find the and the have it removed.
In most cases, mold problems can be traced back to some sort of moisture problem since water is the leading factor contributing to fungal growth. So, begin with detecting the problematic areas in your home. These areas most often include the kitchen sink, leaking toilets, condensation around windows and cracks in the foundation. Also keep an eye on areas that are poorly insulation and more humid.
In some cases, areas that are contaminated with mold are easily identified theyre unsightly, attract dust and release unpleasant odours. Once youve identified them, the next step is fixing them in an efficient manner.
Unless you are lucky enough to possess specialized equipment and knowledge of proper mold remediation procedures, your best option is calling a team of mold removal experts. Not only are they well equipped with all the latest equipment, but they also have years of first-hand experience dealing with all types of mold problems. Theyll be able to pinpoint with certainty the source of the mold contamination and plan for a strategic remediation. Also, theyll ultimately be able to minimize your risk of future mold growth.
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Clean And Remediate Mold Damage
A positive result on any DIY or professional mold test indicates the need for mold removal. Once again, property owners have the option to attempt mold cleanup or schedule professional residential or commercial mold removal.
Depending on the extent of a structure affected by mold, limited or full containment may be necessary during cleanup to keep and infestation from spreading. If mold affects 10 square feet or a larger portion of any structure, professional removal services are worthwhile to limit exposure risks and ensure that remediation is complete.
What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House
Musty smells are a tell-tale sign of mold. Another common indicator is visible signs of water damage.
As mentioned earlier, mold grows fast. Within 24 hours of a water leak, or a flood, mold will begin to take hold. This mold can grow on anything thats humid walls, floors, ceilings, furniture, and even wet laundry.
When there is a chance of mold, its important to have a professional in to test. Professionals qualified to do environmental investigations can:
- Check the surfaces of your house for mold
- Test the air for spores
- Help you to identify sources of moisture
- Identify where the mold is growing and help you decontaminate your house
- Use natural enzymes to kill mold spores
If you dont get rid of all sources of mold, you risk getting sick from it.
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Identify Indoor And Outdoor Mold Allergies
The IgE Mold Profile is a blood test that measures IgE antibodies to 15 common indoor and outdoor molds. The panel also includes a total IgE measurement. Everyone breathes in airborne mold spores, and in people with mold allergies, symptoms mainly affect the respiratory tract. Testing for mold allergies can identify whether mold is causing the symptoms. The patient can experience relief with symptom management, and by avoiding ongoing exposure to the mold source.
Mycotoxins Damage Your Health
Mycotoxins are sneaky. While mold itself cant enter your bloodstream though it can hang around and colonize in spots like your nostrils and lungs mycotoxins can get into your bloodstream and circulate throughout your body.
These opportunistic toxins can hijack your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infections. If your immune system is already compromised , mycotoxins take advantage. If youre healthy, they can make you very sick.
Studies show that mycotoxins can:
- Cause lung inflammation that can make it harder to breathe
- Worsen allergy and asthma symptoms
Unfortunately, mold toxicity is frequently misdiagnosed. Because of its wide-ranging effects, its typically mistaken for other conditions including depression, multiple sclerosis, or autoimmune conditions. Plus, because mycotoxins are opportunistic, theyre often connected with debilitating diseases such as Lyme disease, IBS and fibromyalgia.
Your Genes Can Make You More Vulnerable
Around 25% of people are genetically predisposed to get sick from mold exposure. A simple test, called the HLA-DR, can tell you if youre in that more susceptible population.
If you are, it means your immune system cant easily identify and get rid of mycotoxins. That can allow them to build up in the body, causing harm wherever they end up. On top of that, because of that genetic twist, even relatively small exposures to mycotoxins can affect you.
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Other Mold Prevention Tips:
- Keep the temperature of your home consistent
- Keep humidity levels in your home below 50%
- Make sure your walls are well insulated
- Clean up any water damage immediately
- Frequently open windows in rooms that are dark and musty
- Clean or repair roof gutters
- Immediately fix any leaks in your homes roof, walls, or plumbing
When in doubt, if youre worried that mold might be growing in your home again, it is always a good idea to call a professional to come and evaluate.
They will be able to determine if mold is infesting your home and if your symptoms are cause for concern.
We have Mold Remediation Specialists that can help Find the Source of the Mold In your home, Remove it & Prevent it from Returning.
For Disasters of all Sizes,available in 95% of the USA
Can Mold Harm My Health
Most types of mold do not harm people. In fact, doctors use some varieties to improve health. For instance, penicillin is a useful mold that has saved many peoples lives. However, not all molds are beneficial. In fact, people often develop health issues when they come into contact with harmful species of molds.
If you are in an environment with a large mold presence, you may breathe in mold spores. The antigens in these spores can enter your body and cause a variety of harmful health conditions.
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Does Mold Cause Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion, otherwise known as a stuffy nose, can happen to you regardless of whether or not you have allergies. Often, a stuffed up nose can be the result of a cold, the flu or dry air and shouldnt be a cause for concern. However, if you notice recurring and persistent nasal congestion, particularly at night, then there may be something in your environment thats causing your body to react this way. One of the most common reasons for a stuffy nose is mold, and if you experience this repeatedly over a long period of time, you likely have a mold problem somewhere in your house one that should be remediated as soon as possible.
Symptoms Of Black Mold Poisoning
A mold problem within your home or business can cause many symptoms of black mold poisoning, and a black mold blood test can be used to detect the effects of the toxic mold within your body. Keep in mind that identifying the health problems is the first step, and these problems can be removed with a few medical treatments as well as cleaning up the mold problem to prevent additional exposure.
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How Do You Get The Molds Out Of Buildings Including Homes Schools And Places Of Employment
Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address.
Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement.
It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.
Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly.
Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly after any flooding. Dig out mud and dirt . Use a wet vacuum to remove remaining dirt. Scrub cleanable surfaces with soapy water and a bristle brush. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with water and dish detergent. Dry surfaces quickly and thoroughly after cleaning. If you have a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier that wasnt affected by flooding use it to help the surfaces dry after you finish cleaning
Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water to kill mold on surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners.
If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:
Helpful Tips For Reducing A Stuffy Nose
Nasal decongestants in the form of sprays and tablets can help relieve a stuffy nose. However, these are only temporary fixes and should not be used too often as they can become addictive. In fact, nasal sprays can actually damage your nasal passages if used in excess.
A humidifier can also help reduce stuffiness by adding moisture to the air and promoting mucous production.
If you are still having persistent stuffy nose, you should contact your doctor or another medical professional.
Also Check: How To Stop Mold From Growing On Wood
Whos At Greater Risk Of Mold Exposure
Some people are more sensitive to mold, whether this is because of their genetic makeup or the current state of their health. Individuals with already-compromised immune systems infants and small children the elderly and asthmatics are especially susceptible to the adverse health effects of mold exposure.
Remember that reactions to mold are uniquely individual, since no two immune systems are alike.
The Dangers Of Constant Exposure To Mold
There are many dangers associated with constant exposure to mold.
For one, prolonged mold exposure can cause respiratory problems, including asthma and other respiratory infections.
Additionally, constant mold exposure is likely to increase mold sensitivity and allergic reactions.
Lastly, if the mold exposure comes from toxic molds, more serious illnesses may result.
More recent studies are showing that children who have prolonged mold exposure are more likely to develop asthma, especially if they are already genetically susceptible to it.
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Allergen Profile Mold Blood Test
The allergen profile mold blood test measures the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood to detect an allergy to various common molds.
3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Details:
The profile includes IgE allergy testing for:
- Alternaria alternata
3-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Details:
The profile includes IgE allergy testing for:
- Alternaria alternata
- Stemphylium botryosum
Your Guide To Mold Toxicity Test Options And What To Do Before This
If you have been struggling with unexplained symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or allergy-like symptoms, you may be wondering if mold and mycotoxin testing can help you find answers.
Testing for mold or mycotoxins may be helpful in some contexts, but its definitely not a recommended starting point in your health journey. Mycotoxin research is still in its infancy and testing is not well validated. Misinterpreting or putting too much weight on test results may distract from identifying other important health issues.
Before considering mycotoxin testing, its essential to explore other factors that may be responsible for your symptoms. Poor gut health is often the reason for unexplained, mysterious symptoms.
In this article, we will break down all of the important points to consider before testing for mold or mycotoxins. Next, we will discuss the most common types of mold tests that are available, including the pros and cons for each and who theyre most suitable for.
First, lets take a quick look at what mycotoxins are.
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When Should Testing For Ige Mold Antibodies Be Considered
Testing for IgE mold antibodies is useful for individuals who suspect that they are reacting to an environmental stimulus. Household molds can persist throughout the year and are found in household plants and damp places, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, or in areas that have been exposed to leaks or flooding. Outdoor airborne mold ranges from extremely low levels in freezing temperatures to peak levels in late summer and early fall. Warmer, humid climates can have elevated mold counts year-round.
An IgE allergic response involves immediate-hypersensitivity to a substance. It is important to test when the patient is symptomatic. Circulating IgE antibodies have a short half-life of around 1-2 days, and will only be produced after exposure to the substance. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, “A key message is that a positive allergy test result indicates only the presence of allergen-specific IgE . It does not necessarily mean clinical allergy .”1 Therefore, test results should always be viewed in the context of the overall clinical picture.
Other Exposures & Infections
Mold illness or CIRS stems from more than just mold! Dont forget about the following exposures:
- Lyme disease and Co-infections
- Ciguatera
- Brown Recluse Spider Bite
- Chlamydophilia Pneumoniae
- Viruses
A history of exposure is essential for the diagnosis of CIRS, however it can be difficult to pinpoint at times, especially if a person does not recall being bit by a tick or contracting food poisoning for example. Some markers can also be difficult to diagnose via bloodwork as most labs do not use the gold standard lab test methodologies for work up.
References
Wu Y, Yan Y, Su Z, Bie Q, Chen X, Barnie PA, Guo Q, Wang S, Xu H. Enhanced circulating ILC2s and MDSCs may contribute to ensure maintenance of Th2 predominant in patients with lung cancer. Mol Med Rep. 2017 Jun 15:4374-4381. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6537. Epub 2017 May 2. PMID: 28487978.
Gabrilovich, D. I., & Nagaraj, S. . Myeloid-derived suppressor cells as regulators of the immune system. Nature reviews. Immunology, 9, 162174.
Liu RM, Gaston Pravia KA. Oxidative stress and glutathione in TGF-beta-mediated fibrogenesis. Free Radic Biol Med. 2010 Jan 1 48:1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.09.026. Epub 2009 Oct 2. PMID: 19800967 PMCID: PMC2818240.
Derynck R, Budi EH. Specificity, versatility, and control of TGF- family signaling. Sci Signal. 2019 Feb 26 12:eaav5183. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.aav5183. PMID: 30808818 PMCID: PMC6800142.
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What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Mold Exposure
First, you should consult your primary care physician or family doctor. They will decide whether you need to be referred to a specialist.
Doctors who specialize in mold exposure and treatment are usually allergists or infectious disease physicians.
If your sickness is in your lungs, however, you may be referred to a pulmonary physician.
Additionally, if you suspect that you were exposed to mold through your workplace, then your general practitioner may refer you to an occupational physician.
Because mold symptoms and exposure can vary so much from individual to individual, your general physician is the best first step to personalize your treatment.
