Thursday, March 21, 2024

Does Mold Give You Headaches

How To Prevent Mold

How does mold cause illness?

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.

How Can You Prevent Or Remove Mold Inside Of Your Home

Image courtesy of Pixabay

To prevent mold in your home, you need to prevent moisture. Mold grows on damp surfaces, often where there is inadequate light.7Thats why basements, attics, and unventilated bathrooms are prime locations for mold to flourish. If you have any type of plumbing leak or a leak in your roof, then you might also be experiencing mold in the ceilings, in the walls, or in other hidden areas of the home. Be aware of any leaks or moisture buildup and get these issues taken care of promptly.

If you have an area that tends to be humid, an air purifier can help keep the air free from mold spores.8Note that if there is already mold growth, that needs to be removed first. A dehumidifier is another good choice if you are looking for a machine to help reduce the mold in your home.

Once you have found mold, particularly if you or someone in your home is experiencing headaches, respiratory issues, or any other symptoms of mold exposure, its best to consult with a mitigation specialist. There are ways to remove some types of mold yourself, but unless you know that your mold is non-toxic, its best not to try, as doing it incorrectly can spread the spores throughout the home. A mold remediation specialist will know how to not only remove the mold but also prevent it from spreading to other rooms while its being removed.

Article Sources

Black Mold Symptoms And Health Effects

Learn about black mold symptoms and health effects so that you can identify indicators of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning.

A mold infested room of an old building.

Dariusz Majgier

Mold in homes can be a costly and dangerous problem, particularly when infestations of toxic black mold occur. The symptoms and health effects of black mold exposure and black mold poisoning cover a wide range of health problems, but understanding the indicators can help keep you and your family safe.

Toxic black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, as it’s known to scientists, can release spores as it feeds on organic materials in common household materials like drywall, carpet, insulation or sub-flooring that have been exposed to moisture. These spores, if ingested or inhaled, can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms in humans.

Also Check: Best Way To Clean Mold Off Leather

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.

Getting A Diagnosis For Mold Sickness

TMP Blog: Common Questions with Dr. Matt: Can Mold &  VOCs ...

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

You May Like: How To Clean Black Mold On Shower Grout

Fall Months Can Lead To Stomach Pain From Breathing Mold Spores

The Fall months are absolutely gorgeous but with Fall comes the falling of all of the beautiful, vibrant colored leaves which is also a great place for mold to harbor.

If you live in an area that has a lot of trees, you may be affected from the mold spores floating through the air.

If you have an allergy towards mold, you are hugely affected. If you find that your mucus production is through the roof as it was for me, there are certain steps I take to rid my body of it.

If you always find yourself or your little ones suffering around the Fall months with

Sneezing And Nasal Congestion

While many things can trigger sneezing, its also a symptom of mold toxicity that should get your attention. If youve never had allergies or hay fever symptoms and youre positive you dont have a cold, those sneezes could be indicative of mold exposure.

Sneezing is the immune systems standard response to allergens. It could also be a warning sign that your home has a mold problem.

You May Like: How To Remove Streptoverticillium Reticulum

Symptoms Of Mold Illness Everyone Needs To Know

Mold is not something to take lightly in your home. You should monitor for mold in your house on a weekly basis and take precautions to kill any mold on sight, mainly to avoid any life-threatening mold illnesses.

Thats right, mold doesnt just look nasty in your bathroom, it can be devastating to your health, too.

And the worst part of all? You may not even know youre suffering from a mold-related illness.

To keep you and your family safe, check out this mini-guide on how to get rid of mold and, most importantly, how to tell if youre suffering from a mold illness.

HOW DO YOU GET RID OF MOLD?

So youre doing your weekly sweep for mold checking any moist spots like under sinks and in bathrooms, corners, and near windows and you see a big black spot. Gross.

The two best options? Spray the mold with bleach or a designated mold killer.

Spray the molded spot with your weapon of choice. Let the chemicals sit for a while before scrubbing the mold away with a bristle brush. We highly suggest opening some windows to air out the room, because either product will stink up a room easily.

Also, invest in some protective face masks to wear when youre handling mold. The last thing you want is to accidentally ingest mold when trying to clean it away.

WHAT IS MOLD ILLNESS?

You are most prone to mold illness if you live in a home where mold is most rampant. Mold tends to thrive in damp, dark, and humid places, like in typically warmer environments or in basement level apartments.

Why Does Mold Cause Vertigo

Health Effects That May Be Caused by Inhaling Mold or Mold Spores

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.

Recommended Reading: Remove Mold From Cutting Board

What Are The Mental & Neurological Symptoms Associated With Black Mold Exposure

Black mold produces toxins that can kill neurons in the brain and can impair a persons mental faculties. Exposure to black mold toxins may cause mental & neurological conditions, like nervous disorders. Symptoms of mental & neurological effects of black mold exposure include altered behavior, mood swings, and irritability.

Mold Or Mice: What On Earth Is That Smell

Client: Good morning! I have this awful moldy smell coming from my garage, and its making my entire family sick. It seems to be spreading. Can you give us an estimate to remove the mold from our garage?

Problem:

We receive calls like this every dayhomeowners noticing unpleasant musty odours and wondering if theyre caused by mold. It seems that they try everything possible, and yet, they still cant get rid of that moldy smell.

It doesnt matter how clean the rest of your home may be, a persistent odour can ruin the atmosphere in your home. As we talked to our client, Lauren, we learned that her husbands boss was coming for dinner and Lauren was worried the unpleasant smell would leave a lasting bad impression.

Frustrated over these persistent odours and concerned about their health, they turn to us to tackle their dilemma.

Solution: For this particular client, we were able to schedule a same-day appointment and take a look of the problem for ourselves. When we stepped into their garage, the odour was undeniable. It was very strong, very unpleasant and very real.

We began our diagnostic odour inspection using a particle scanner, moisture metre and even a thermal imaging camera. All of the diagnostics yielded normal indoor environmental conditions, and we able to quickly determine that the odour was not being caused by mold growth.

What are the symptoms of HPS?HPS begins as a flu-like illness. In the early stage of the disease, you may have the following symptoms:

Read Also: How To Clean Mold Between Pavers

Treatment For Headaches And Migraines

See your doctor if you begin having problems that you havent had before, or if you begin having them more often than you have in the past or if they seem to be getting worse. Over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen might help temporarily, though those kinds of medications usually arent strong enough to take care of a migraine. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medications if necessary, but if you continue to be exposed to mold, youll probably continue to have mold sickness symptoms and they may even get worse over time.

Strong prescription medications are often required to relieve a migraine, which carry the risk of serious side effects. Sometimes injections of pain medication are required. Other medications can be used to prevent migraine symptoms if they occur frequently, but that means taking prescription medications daily, which also carries the risk of side effects. And unfortunately, if you are experiencing migraine symptoms due to exposure to mold, preventative medications may not help much if you continue to be exposed to mold.

Is Mold Causing Your Sinus Problems

Comprehensive Mold Inspections &  Testing in Sacramento

Have chronic sinus problems got you feeling down? The cause may have more to do with your environment than anything else – at least that is what a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic revealed. The research showed that moldy home and work environments were responsible for chronic sinus issues in as many as 9 out of 10 cases.

This contradicts what researchers believed about 20 years ago, when it was assumed that all sinus infections were the result of either bacteria or viruses but it is now recognized that when fungi like mold enters the sinus cavity, a suppressed immune system is likely to have a strong adverse reaction, the result being fungal sinusitis. Since fungi love damp, dark conditions, the sinus cavity is a perfect growing place, making it difficult to eliminate them once they are in place. Just think of how tough it is to get rid of other fungal infections in the body. Athlete’s foot for example is well-known for being a recurring condition, and fungal sinusitis acts much the same way.

Important: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not Everyday Health.

See More

Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Plastic Cutting Board

How Long Does It Take For Black Mold To Kill You

Black mold, or Stachybotrys atra, has a reputation for being fatal. This is due to reports that black mold was related to infant deaths in the 1990s. Its also been linked to the idea of sick building syndrome and is often called toxic black mold.

But theres no solid evidence proving that black mold is toxic. Black mold, and mold in general, is not deadly.

Still, black mold can cause unwanted side effects, especially those in people who are sensitive to mold. This includes people who are young, old, or have compromised immune systems.

Visit a doctor if you have:

  • persistent sinus and nasal congestion
  • frequent headaches
  • unexplained skin irritation
  • more frequent asthma attacks

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if mold is causing your symptoms. Many side effects of mold exposure are similar to other conditions, like seasonal allergies. Some symptoms also take time to appear.

Your best bet is to see a doctor, even if youre unsure your symptoms are related to mold. They can help you find relief.

The best way to treat mold exposure symptoms is to reduce exposure. Follow these tips:

  • Avoid contact with moldy items or surfaces.
  • Avoid damp rooms, like basements.
  • Remove mold from the home by cleaning surfaces and drying damp areas.
  • Increase ventilation by using a fan or opening windows.
  • Reduce indoor humidity with a dehumidifier.

The length of time it takes for mold to leave your body will depend on your level of previous exposure.

  • a musty, earthy odor

Toxic Mold Syndrome: It Was Like I Lost My Personality

Kimberlyn, a 46-year-old married mother living in Arizona is not your average patient. She is highly detailed, analytical, logical, and carries with her a masters degree in pattern analysis. When Kimberlyn got sick, she applied as much as she could from her work life to try to uncover what was adversely affecting her. Even so, coming to the right diagnoses took a lot of work and required outside help.

Also Check: How To Clean Mold From Ceiling In Bathroom

Does Mold Cause Headaches 5 Sure Signs Of Mold In Your Home

One of the last things you want to discover in your home is mold. Unlike other common home issues, mold is more difficult to fully get rid of and can go unnoticed for quite some time if you dont know what to look for.

If you dont catch mold early on, then itll continue to grow over the years. Living in a home with mold is especially dangerous for young children, older adults, and those with any kind of immunity disorder. One of the most common questions asked is does mold cause headaches and are headaches a sign of mold in the house?

Were here to answer these questions for you by listing a few sure signs that theres mold in the house and the possible cause of your headaches. Continue reading below for everything you need to know about keeping your home, yourself, and your family safe from mold1

Symptoms Of Mold Exposure

Is Mold Making You Sick? Mold Exposure Symptoms and Mold Exposure Treatment (With Bridgit Danner)

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.

Categories

Also Check: How To Remove Mildew From Canvas Boat Cover

What Causes Mold Sickness

The toxins in your system from breathing in mold spores add to the total amount of toxicity in your body. We call this the Total Body Burden. When your burden is high, you start experiencing symptoms many which are seemingly unrelated.

For most people, toxins get flushed out from the body when eliminating waste.

For some, the toxic load is so high that its too much for the body to eliminate them all efficiently. For others, they may have poor detoxification processes or they may even recycle or reabsorb these mycotoxins back, as the body tries to eliminate them. Genetics plays a huge role in this difference from person to person

In short, multiple symptoms happen because, as we say in environmental medicine genetics points the gun, and then the environment pulls the trigger.

Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Mold Toxicity That You Must Know

We live in a world of toxic-overload, and one of the biggest environmental health threats causing problems today is mold.

Mold is highly toxic for humans as well as pets. Mold can grow on anything as long as there is moisture and bacteria to feed it. In fact, you may unknowingly be living in a moldy house. Sometimes mold is visible, but many times it remains hidden behind walls, vents, shower tiles or wet ceilings.

Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased, as more has been learned about the variety of health problems it can cause. There are thousands of mold species and several mold toxins that are associated with serious physical and mental disorders.

In fact, several organizations including the World Health Organization recommend prevention of mold growth in order to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention.

Here are 10 warning signs and symptoms of mold toxicity that you must know.

Contents

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Mildew On Boat Seats

Popular Articles
Related news