Allergic Reactions Asthma Attacks Irritant Effects
Allergic reactions to mold are common and can be immediate or delayed. Repeated or single exposure to mold, mold spores, or mold fragments may cause non-sensitive individuals to become sensitive to mold, and repeated exposure has the potential to increase sensitivity. Allergic responses include hay fever-like symptoms such as:
- Headache
- Allergic reactions
- Aggravated asthma symptoms
These and other symptoms may be associated with exposure to mold. But all of these symptoms may be caused by other exposures or conditions unrelated to mold growth. Therefore, it is important not to assume that, whenever any of these symptoms occurs, mold is the cause.
For more detailed information on mold and its health effects, consult:
- A health professional
- Resource List for Public and Private Organizations Dealing with Environmental Exposures
What Causes Pink Mold Growth
As with other types of molds, pink mold loves to colonize in damp, warm places. Also, keeping these areas in your home clean goes a long way to preventing molds of all species from growing.
Regular cleaning of showers, shower curtains, bathroom walls, windows, ledges, and floors will prevent mold from growing as you are removing one of the three conditions for mold to grow.
Mold needs a damp warm dark environment, as well as a food source. Take out one of the three conditions, heat, moisture, or foods, and mold will not spread or colonize.
How To Remove Black Mold Yourself
Did you know that its often possible to remove black mold yourself? Its true! Professional mold remediation can cost thousands of dollars and is often excluded from many homeowners insurance policies. But in many instances hiring a mold removal professional isnt necessary and black mold can be removed by a handy homeowner in less than one weekend of work.
If you feel like you may be a homeowner who is up to the challenge, weve written an eBook that gives step-by-step instructions on how to tackle your mold problem. For less than $20, we guarantee that youll save hundreds, if not thousands, of your hard-earned dollars.
You can purchase our eBook here:
And if youre not comfortable tackling the problem yourself, were happy to provide you a quote if youre in our service area. Just contact us for a completely free quote.
Bottom Line: No mold belongs in a healthy home. Be it black mold, or any other color of mold. It should all be treated the same. If you have mold, remove it.
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Treating Black Mold Sickness
The appropriate treatment will depend on your symptoms and the results of any diagnostic tests. Treatment may include oral or intravenous antibiotics, antihistamines, analgesics , and breathing treatments. Most people can be treated for mold-related illness on an outpatient basis but in severe cases, hospitalization may be required. Depending on your condition, your primary care physician may need to refer you to a specialist such as an infectious disease specialist, an allergist, a pulmonologist or an otolaryngologist .
Symptoms usually resolve with treatment, as long as you are no longer exposed to mold, but sometimes mold-related health issues become chronic.
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.
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Breathing Problems Caused By Exposure To Toxic Mold
Black mold is fungus that lives naturally in the environment. Often referred to as toxic mold, the Centers for Disease Control educates that no proven link has been found between black mold and serious health conditions in exposed individuals. Exposure to black mold, as well as other types of mold, may cause health reactions in some people. The CDC, however, states that respiratory problems are more likely to arise in people with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma, than healthy individuals. Medical evaluation can help determine if breathing problems are due to mold exposure.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
For Help With Mold Removal
If you need assistance with mold removal, Environmental Protection Agency recommends engaging mold remediation professionals that comply with the guidelines established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Many offer free consultations and home inspections, so you can benefit from some expert advice whether or not you opt to handle the mold removal yourself. Follow this link to find qualified mold remediation professionals offering free consultations in your area.
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What Causes Aspergillosis
In most cases, aspergillosis is caused by a type of mold called Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus mold can often be found on dead leaves, compost piles and other decaying vegetable matter, stored grain, and even foods and spices. The mold spores may be carried indoors on shoes and clothing and can grow on carpeting. Window unit air conditioners are susceptible to mold growth if filters are not kept clean, and water does not drain properly from the unit. Sites where buildings are being torn down or renovated may be contaminated with mold spores.
Is Pink Mold Dangerous
The simple answer is yes. Pink mold can be very dangerous. It is more dangerous to the very young, the elderly, and to people who are immunocompromised but can make anyone sick. The symptoms range from a runny nose and sneezing to poisoning which could include vomiting and diarrhea. If you think you have pink colored mold, or any other mold growing inside your home, contact Mold Busters right away.
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Diagnosing Black Mold Sickness
As you might imagine, with such a wide range of symptoms, it can be difficult to determine if the illness is caused by black mold or by something else. After all, most or all of these symptoms can be caused by things other than black mold. Pneumonia, for instance, can be caused by viruses or bacteria, migraines can be caused by food sensitivities or stress, and so on. To help ensure you get an accurate diagnosis, make a list of all your symptoms and when they began. Take your list with you to your doctor.
Let your doctor know if youve been exposed to mold and, to the best of your knowledge, when that exposure began. If you know what kind of mold youve been exposed to, tell your doctor. If you havent had the mold tested to see if it is black toxic mold or some other strain of mold, ask your doctor if that information will assist in making a diagnosis and if he or she recommends having the mold tested. You can read more about testing for black mold here.
Depending on your specific symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order some diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, a throat culture, a culture of a sputum sample, a chest x-ray, and a bronchoscopy, a test where a doctor uses a tiny camera to look inside your airways.
Five Of The Most Common Indoor Molds
Mold illness is the variety of health problems that can occur from any type of mold exposure. Although a mold allergy is the most common problem caused by exposure to mold, mold can cause illness without an allergic reaction. Mold can also cause infections or irritants and toxic reactions. Infections caused by mold can lead to a variety of problems from flu-like symptoms to skin infections and even pneumonia.
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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.
Indoor Air Quality Solutions For Mold
The best way to avoid mold in the home or workplace is to prevent its growth altogether. Because mold thrives in damp, warm environments, you can try:
- Keeping the relative humidity in your home between 30% and 50%.
- Checking high-moisture areas, such as window sills, under-sink cabinets and indoor plants, regularly for visible mold growth.
- Increasing ventilation in your homeespecially in high-moisture areas such as the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. You can do this by installing an exhaust fan, running your HVAC system or opening windows .
- Adding an air purifier to help remove mold spores from the air in your home. Make sure to follow the manufacturers instructions on cleaning and replacing the filters. The Molekule air purifier with proprietary PECO technology destroys mold spores that pass through the device, instead of trapping them within the unit.
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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.
Signs Of A Mold Illness
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Toxic Mold And How It Destroys Lives
Toxic mold can impact your health in many ways. Were so used to seeing toxic mold in our shower stalls and basements that its easy to view this organic matter as nothing more than an unsightly nuisance. However, research has revealed that while some forms of mold are fairly benign , others can be highly toxic. While exposure to mold will not usually cause sudden death, its cumulative effects can be dangerous, debilitating, and in some cases, even fatal. Heres what you need to know about toxic mold:
Increased Asthma Rate Among Children
Can Black Mold Cause Fungal Pneumonia
Exposure to mold can lead to allergic reactions, asthma attacks and even pneumonia, although pneumonia as a result of mold exposure is rare, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Infections can also occur in people whose immune systems are weakened.
Similarly, can you get fungal pneumonia from mold?
Fungal pneumonia is an infectious process in the lungs caused by one or more endemic or opportunistic fungi. Fungal infection occurs following the inhalation of spores, after the inhalation of conidia, or by the reactivation of a latent infection.
Additionally, can mold affect your eyes? Exposure to mold can cause a variety of symptoms. Sensitive people who have touched or inhaled mold or mold spores may have allergic reactions such as a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, watery eyes, skin rash and itching . Such infections can affect the skin, eyes, lungs or other organs.
Beside this, what are the symptoms of mold in your lungs?
Exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus mold can cause an infection/reaction called aspergillosis in some people. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest pain and fever.
If the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Coughing, sometimes accompanied by mucus or blood.
- Wheezing.
- Difficulty breathing.
Can black mold cause COPD?
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The Allergenic Impact Of Toxic Mold
As alluded to above, many people experience an allergic reaction to virtually all kinds of toxic mold. According to the CDC, people who are sensitive to mold can experience all of the following symptoms:
- Chronic rhinitis
- Throat irritation
- Eye irritation
- Skin irritation .
While these issues dont sound particularly risky, sustained allergic reactions can gradually result in the development of more hazardous conditions. Over time, the irritation associated with rhinitis and frequent coughing harms the sufferers delicate mucus membranes. This can lead to recurrent infections of the lungs, sinuses, and ears. Chronic allergic reactions have also been linked to a higher incidence of migraine headaches.
Watery Or Irritated Eyes
When allergens are present, the body releases histamines as part of its immune response. This histamine release is what causes the eyes to water excessively when exposed to toxins from mold.
This reaction from histamine may be the bodys way of flushing out allergens and toxins. It can serve as a warning to you that your environment may contain dangerous black mold.
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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.
Who Gets Aspergillosis
Exposure to Aspergillus is not likely to cause problems in the majority of people whose immune systems are healthy. However, people with chronic lung problems or people with weak immune systems may be at greater risk for developing the infection. People with weakened immune systems include those people taking chemotherapy or those who have had organ transplants.
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What Is Black Mold
Black mold is the common name for a certain type of mold called Stachybotrys, which is thought to be particularly harmful to a persons health.
Many of us have heard of the dangers of toxic black mold and may worry about black mold poisoning, but the truth is that black mold is a much more manageable problem than you might expect.
When you understand what youre dealing with, you can make informed choices to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. Were here to cut through the mess and help you understand what having black mold in your home may mean, and give you some tips on how to fix the problem yourself and save big money in the process.
How To Prevent Mold
Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing in your home. The following tips will help stop mold from becoming a problem:
- Keep the humidity in your house below 50%. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier can help with this.
- Make sure your house is clean, dry, and well-ventilated.
- Fix any water leaks immediately.
- Use ventilation fans in your kitchen and bathrooms.
- Don’t put carpet in rooms that are likely to become wet such as the basement, kitchen, or bathrooms.
- Make sure wet floor mats are dried quickly.
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