Do I Have Mold In My Lungs

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.

Mold Spores In Your Lungs Is It Dangerous

While invisible to the naked eye, airborne mold particles can cause health problems and increase in severity with ones prolonged exposure to it. If you or a loved one suspects that you may have been exposed to mold and are being impacted by it, you should seek medical advice from a licensed professional immediately.

Understanding Mucus In Your Lungs

• Health & Wellness
• Science

Mucus in the lungs is known as phlegm or sputum. It is a common symptom in chronic lung diseases such as COPD , cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease or asthma.

In undamaged airways, oxygenated air moves easily through tubes, helped along by tiny hairs that line the airways called cilia. Mucus has an important role in your lungs immune response because it traps irritants in your airways and helps allow your body to expel them through coughing. This helps protect you from infection. You can see how this works in our new animation that explains how a cough works, and the important part that mucus plays in clearing your airways from smoke, germs, dust and chemicals.

More than just an unpleasant nuisance, mucus that collects in your airways can make breathing more difficult and increase your risk of infection, which can further damage your lungs. Living with a chronic lung disease means you are likely experiencing an excess of this thick and sticky fluid in your lungs. Learning more about how to prevent, treat and manage symptoms, including mucus, of your chronic lung disease can help improve your overall lung health.

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When To Seek Medical Help If You Breathed In Mold

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, especially if they persist and dont respond to typical medications, it is best to visit your doctor.

Although mold exposure and the symptoms of mold exposure are not typically emergencies, they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

There are some cases where symptoms warrant an emergency.

If you experience the following, immediately go to the nearest emergency room:

• Significant difficulty breathing

How Can You Tell If Mold Is Making You Sick

It can be hard to distinguish common mold exposure symptoms from those of an infection or a more serious condition. Many of these illnesses share a lot of the same side effects, and you may not be able to tell that youre sick until several days after exposure.

While most healthy people may only experience the temporary symptoms listed above, those with more compromised or weakened immune systems are at a greater risk of becoming sick after mold exposure. People in this group include the elderly, pregnant women, babies, young children and those with chronic health conditions.

There are a few serious illnesses that can be caused by mold exposure, but each usually has its own telltale symptoms that separates it from the others. Remember: the most common sign of an infection is a fever, so check your temperature regularly if you fear you may be sick.

These are just a few examples of illnesses that can be caused by molds:

• Aspergillosis an infection that typically comes after exposure to molds in the aspergillus family. These molds are often found in decaying vegetation, such as dead leaves, compost piles and stored grain. People who have gone through chemotherapy, had an organ transplant or have compromised lungs are the most likely demographic to contract aspergillosis. Common side effects include coughing , fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, chills, shock or kidney/liver problems.

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Can Mold Exposure Be Lethal

This is a major area where information becomes muddled. Some sources of information will tell you that mold exposure of any kind can be deadly, whereas others will say that only exposure to toxic molds can seriously harm you.

Fortunately, exposure to mold isnt usually lethal to a healthy person. However, higher-risk groups can experience far more serious health complications after being exposed to pathogenic and toxigenic molds. Similar to those listed above, people at a higher risk include:

• Pregnant women
• People who have recently had surgery or major medical treatments
• People with compromised immune systems or immune disorders

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.

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Can Black Mold Grow On Mattress

Mattress mold will vary in appearance but is most commonly seen as off-white, pink, or fluffy black looking spots on the mattress itself. Its important to note that any mattress is susceptible to mold growth if the environmental conditions are right. The common, early signs of mattress mold are: A pungent, musty smell.

What Problems Can Fungi Cause

Even healthy people can get mild fungal infections. An example is ‘thrush‘ in women that affects the vaginal area: it causes itching and some vaginal discharge. It is treated with antifungal creams or pills that can be bought in a chemist. Similarly a lot of people get fungal skin infections, particularly in the skin creases: these are easily treated with antifungal creams too.

But occasionally fungi can cause problems that are more serious: problems in the lungs, for example.

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How Do You Know If Mold Is Making You Sick

Are you sick and suspect it might be from mold?

Determining whether exposure to mold is making you sick isnt always easy.

Each persons body is affected by mold toxicity in different ways. Some experience constant migraines and headaches, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue or even depression.

Since symptoms differ from person to person, they may not be quickly associated with mold exposure. Many people suffering from mold illness struggle to get a proper diagnosis and investigation.

Its common to think my house is clean it cant be mold! However, mold comes in many forms. In this article, well share what toxic mold is, the signs and symptoms, and how it can be treated.

How Are Fungal Lung Infections Diagnosed

The diagnosis will usually be made by a specialist doctor:

• A chest X-ray might show an area of shadowing, caused by the infection.
• Special blood cultures might grow the fungus in the bloodstream.
• A sample of the sputum you have coughed up can be sent to a laboratory for testing.
• Blood tests can sometimes show your immune system fighting off the fungus.
• A small camera put into your lungs can allow a doctor to see the fungus and take a sample to grow in a laboratory.

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Is There More Than One Type Of Aspergillosis

There are several types of aspergillosis.

Pulmonary aspergillosis is most likely to develop in people who have chronic lung disorders or damaged lungs. These people are likely to have abnormal spaces in their lungs where the fungus can grow. The fungus can also rarely infect sinuses and ear canals. The mold spores can colonize inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis. The fibers of fungus might form a lump by combining with white blood cells and blood clots. This lump or ball of fungus is called an aspergilloma or mycetoma. In some cases, a fungus ball may be present in other organs of the body.

Invasive aspergillosis, the most severe type, occurs when the infection travels from the lungs into the bloodstream. Other organs, such as the kidneys, liver, skin or brain, may become infected. This is a very serious condition that may result in death if not treated. People with very weakened immune systems are more susceptible to invasive aspergillosis. Other risk factors include a low white blood cell count, long-term use ofcorticosteroids, or hospitalization.

Some Symptoms Of Aspergillosis

Wondering if you or a loved one may be affected by aspergillosis? While a diagnosis from a doctor is essential for getting needed treatment, its possible to identify aspergillosis by recognizing common early symptoms including:

• Coughing

• Mucous
• Difficulty exercising

Obviously, people with prior lung issues like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer may already experience all of these symptoms and more. However, with aspergillosis, these symptoms may get worse. In any case, its best to get an accurate diagnosis from an experienced physician. This way, you can understand what you can expect as far as treatment. And, get the medical attention you need to get better.

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What Is A Mold Allergy

If you have an allergy that occurs over several seasons, you may be allergic to the spores of molds or other fungi. Molds live everywhere. Upsetting a mold source can send the spores into the air.

Mold and mildew are fungi. They are different from plants or animals in how they reproduce and grow. The seeds, called spores, travel through the air. Some spores spread in dry, windy weather. Others spread with the fog or dew when humidity is high.

Inhaling the spores causes allergic reactions in some people. Allergic symptoms from fungus spores are most common from July to early fall. But fungi grow in many places, both indoors and outside, so allergic reactions can occur year round.

Although there are many types of molds, only a few dozen cause allergic reactions. Many molds grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, in compost piles and on grasses and grains. Unlike pollens, molds do not die with the first killing frost. Most outdoor molds become inactive during the winter. In the spring they grow on plants killed by the cold. Indoors, fungi grow in damp areas. They can often be found in the bathroom, kitchen or basement.

How Can I Prevent An Allergic Reaction To Mold

There is no cure for allergies. But you can reduce your allergy symptoms by avoiding contact with the mold spores. Several measures will help:

Reduce Your Exposure to Mold Spores Outside

• Limit your outdoor activities when mold counts are high. This will lessen the amount of mold spores you inhale and your symptoms.
• Wear a dust mask when cutting grass, digging around plants, picking up leaves and disturbing other plant materials.

Reduce Your Exposure to Mold Spores Inside

• Use central air conditioning with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter attachment. This can help trap mold spores from your entire home. Freestanding air cleaners only filter air in a limited area. Avoid devices that treat air with heat, electrostatic ions or ozone.
• Lower your indoor humidity. No air cleaners will help if excess moisture remains. If indoor humidity is above 50%, fungi will thrive. A hygrometer is a tool used to measure humidity. The goal is to keep humidity below 45%, but below 35% is better. If you have to use a humidifier, clean the fluid reservoir at least twice a week to prevent mold growth. Air conditioners and dehumidifiers can also be a source of mold.
• Prevent mold and mildew build up inside the home. Pay close attention to mold in bathrooms, basements and laundry areas. Be aggressive about reducing dampness.

To Reduce Mold in Your Bathrooms:

To Reduce Mold in Your Kitchen:

To Reduce Mold in Your Laundry Area:

To Reduce Mold in Your Bedrooms:

To Reduce Mold in Your Basement:

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Discovering What Aspergillosis Is And How It Happens

Aspergillosis is a condition that is characterized by either an allergic reaction or infection of the lungs due to the inhalation of mold. The most common type of mold that causes this condition is aspergillus fumigatus, which can live and grow in both in and outdoor environments. Its important to note that inhaling mold usually doesnt cause mold growth in the lungs for average, healthy people. However, those diagnosed with lung conditions, allergies, and/or immune system issues are prone to the development of aspergillosis. While aspergillus fumigatus can grow on food and waste, its most often found indoors in A/C units that havent been properly maintained with cleaning or those which leak excess water.

How Do I Get Rid Of Mold In My House

First, you need to fix the problem thatâs leading to dampness. If you donât, the mold will come back.

For areas bigger than 10 square feet, you may want to call in a pro.

For smaller areas, youâll have to throw out anything thatâs soft or can soak up water, like carpets, drywall, and ceiling tiles.

On hard surfaces, scrub with a stiff brush or cleaning pad along with a general-purpose detergent in hot water. Then rinse with water and let completely dry.

Show Sources

U.S. National Library of Medicine: âIndoor Mold, Toxigenic Fungi, and Stachybotrys chartarum: Infectious Disease Perspective,â âMycotoxins.â

CDC: âMold.â

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Prevention Is Key To Keeping Lungs Safe From Mold

The best thing to do to prevent any dangerous effects of mold including mold growing in lungs is to prevent mold from growing in your home at all times. D youo think your home has mold and you are worried about the safety of yourself or your family? If so, a professional mold remediation company can help to determine the presence of mold. And, to perform proper and safe mold removal so that you and your family are no longer at risk for mold-related health issues.

Looking for a professional, licensed, bonded, and insured mold removal company in South Florida? Call A Plus Mold Remediation Inc. today at 561-247-3506 for your free quote!

What Are The Cpap Mold Symptoms That You Should Never Ignore

One way to stay on top of your CPAP machines cleanliness is to be able to recognize the signs of mold accumulation in your device. There are some clear CPAP mold symptoms that, if you ignore them, can cause you a lot of trouble later on. One way to completely avoid these symptoms is to clean your CPAP daily with CPAP cleaners. But, if CPAP mold symptoms do develop, the sooner you notice them the sooner you can get them under control. If the symptoms are ignored, they can escalate into full-blown health disorders.

Fortunately, you can monitor CPAP mold symptoms. While regular and thorough cleaning is the way to avoid mold altogether, there are two ways in which you can be aware if it does develop in your CPAP machine. First, you can watch out for the signs of mold that appear in your CPAP device. Second, you should be on the alert for mold symptoms impacting your health.

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What Can You Do

In addition to visible mould, other signs of damp problems may include: mould odour, water stains, frequent condensation, peeling or cracked paint or wall paper, damp basement, and standing water under or around the house.

No safe levels of indoor dampness and or mould have been defined. So health-based standards or guidelines do not exist.

Nonetheless, there are several practicable measures you can take to prevent or minimise indoor mould. These include adequately heating and, in colder climates, insulating your home to reduce air humidity levels and condensation.

Install and use appropriate ventilation, particularly in wet areas or areas where water vapour may be emitted, such as bathrooms, laundries and kitchen areas.

Its also critical to avoid water leaks by controlling and maintaining rain and surface water drainage. Where holes are created in the roof or walls to allow skylights, windows, doors, pipes or other structures to be fitted, make sure these are watertight.

If you find visible mould in your home, remove the mould and identify and address the cause of the excess moisture. Clean hard surfaces using soap and water or, if mould growth is persistent, a bleach solution could be used. You may need to throw away absorbent materials such as carpets, depending on the level of contamination.

In case of extensive mould damage, you may need to call on commercial mould remediation services.

How Is Aspergillosis Diagnosed

Your doctor will probably ask you about your medical history, including the type and duration of your symptoms and whether you have a cough or a fever. It may be difficult to diagnose the condition, because symptoms may resemble those of other diseases.

Some of the diagnostic tests that may be required include:

• Skin and blood tests: These tests are useful to diagnose ABPA, especially in cases where the patient has asthma, bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis. The doctor or technician injects a small quantity of aspergillus antigen into the skin, usually the lower arm. A small red bump at or near the site will show that you have an allergic reaction. In addition, a sample of your blood might be analyzed to see if certain antibodies are present that indicate an allergic reaction.
• Imaging tests: A chest X-ray or computerized tomography scan may be performed to examine the lungs.
• Sputum culture: A sample of sputum might be stained and tested to see if aspergillus fungus is present.
• Biopsy: A small sample of tissue is removed from the lungs or sinuses to diagnose invasive aspergillosis.

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