Getting A Diagnosis For Mold Sickness
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:
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How Do You Keep Mold Out Of Buildings And Homes
Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth to prevent mold growth.
Inside your home you can control mold growth by:
- Controlling humidity levels
- Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.
How Do I Remove Black Mold
Black mold can be removed with a variety of commercial cleaners, bleaches, and/or disinfectants. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label and take precautions to protect yourself from exposure to black mold spores. Once black mold has been removed, take steps to prevent it from returning, such as fixing leaky pipes and ensuring good ventilation.
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How Did I Get Mold
Like any other living thing, mold needs food and water to thrive. Mold problems start when a mold spore thats floating in the air lands on a wet piece of organic material , takes root and starts to multiply. Mold spores are everywhere in the air, including in the cleanest of homes.
In fact, every breath you take likely has some mold spores in it at low levels! In the home, mold usually grows wherever there is dampness and moisture, like basements, attics, kitchens and bathrooms, or areas that have experienced flooding.
With over 100,000 species, mold comes in about any size, shape, and color you can think of, making it impossible to tell what type of mold you have without testing by a certified mold inspection professional.
Many types of indoor mold, not just black mold, may cause health problems in some individuals.
Long-term exposure to high levels of mold in the home, however,
People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:
- infants and children
- people with allergies or asthma
- people with weakened immune systems
The main health risks related to mold exposure are allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems may also have a risk of fungal infection.
Signs Of Mold In A Home:
When we visited this home, we were asked to clean up a little bit of mold. What you see here pales in comparison to what we found behind the wall and throughout the home.
Toxic mold can be hiding in any home that has been exposed to damp air. Sometimes its found in the places you would least expect such as your drywall, crawlspace, carpets, and more.
Mold spores are often invisible to the naked eye until they start to rapidly spread. Even if you cannot see mold in or around your property, there are still signs that indicate that you should inspect for mold.
Indoor Leaks or Floods:
It only takes 24-48 hours for mold spores to start growing on a damp surface. If your home experiences a pipe leak, flooding, or even a spill that is not fully cleaned up- mold can start to grow. Its best to conduct a mold test within 48 hours of water exposure in your home since mold grows rapidly.
Sudden Illness or Health Troubles:
If someone in your household is experiencing sudden health troubles, it may be a sign of mold. When left unchecked, mold can cause severe illnesses, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Sudden coughing, skin irritations, and difficulty breathing are potential symptoms of mold and a good reason to properly test your home.
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Rental Properties With Mould Issues
When a rental property has mould, the owner should fix any mould caused by faults in gutters or other fixtures, but the tenant should ensure that extractor fans are used when available and the home is aired regularly where possible.
Sometimes, the cause of the mould growth may be due to a building fault that may not be easily rectified.
If as a tenant, you have taken measures to make sure the building is properly ventilated and mould is still growing, you should raise the issue with the owner.
Information on mould in rental properties is available on Consumer Affairs Victorias website.
on Tel. .
What Can You Do About It
If you or anyone in your family has been exposed to indoor mold, the best first step is to talk to a health professional and make sure that there is no risk of respiratory issues. If symptoms have already started to appear, your doctor may want to conduct follow-up observations to make sure that the mold hasnt spread.
Equally important is preventing further mold exposure by stopping the growth and removing the colony in your home. Sometimes this can be as simple as decreasing the humidity and improving air circulation in the affected area. Other times, though, you might have to resort to more invasive tactics, which we will discuss in other posts.
As with any health risk, if you start to see the symptoms get worse, dont hesitate to seek medical advice. After all, its better to get treated now than to have to deal with the effects later down the road.
Most important is to make sure you 100% get rid of the mold problem that is affecting your health. If youre looking for an experienced mold removal team in Concord NH, call us immediately to come take care of things for you.
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Other Common Indoor Molds
If youre allergic to mold, your symptoms may be more severe, such as lung irritation.
According to the , in 2004, the Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence linking indoor mold, and damp indoor environments in general, with:
- upper respiratory symptoms in healthy people
- asthma symptoms in people who have asthma
- hypersensitivity pneumonitis in susceptible people
Limited evidence suggests a link between exposure to mold and damp indoor environments and:
- respiratory illness in healthy children
- potential development of asthma in susceptible people
In 2009, the World Health Organization also reported a suggested link between early exposure to mold and development of asthma in children, especially those who are genetically susceptible to asthma.
A 2017 report found no scientific evidence that black mold exposure leads to:
- autoimmune disease
- infant pulmonary hemorrhage
Aspergillus fumigatus can cause a serious reaction in some people, especially those with asthma or cystic fibrosis. This condition is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Symptoms may include:
- cough, possibly with blood or mucus
- worsening symptoms of asthma
If you have emphysema, tuberculosis, or advanced sarcoidosis, lung cavities can be infected with Aspergillus. This causes a condition called aspergilloma, with symptoms such as:
- a cough, sometimes with blood
So What Is A Mycotoxin
Mycotoxins, literally fungus poison in Latin, are secondary metabolites that can be produced by molds, and are not living organisms. Mycotoxins are a byproduct of mold. Not all mold spores produce mycotoxins, but some do. So the molds that produce mycotoxins are the ones that could be categorized as toxic or poisonous.
So, where is the line between an allergic mold and a toxic mold? That line is defined by the presence of mycotoxins, and is NOT defined by color. Mycotoxins are invisible and cannot be detected just by looking at the mold growth.
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Signs Of Mold Illness
by Dr. Michele Neil-Sherwood | Health Tips
Mold is a big problem in most homes, but many people are unaware of the problem. Of course, everyone looks at the shower curtain, under the sink, or in the basement when he or she think about mold issues, but mold can grow just about anywhere.
Mold can be found in drywall, in the roof , and even in ones Christmas tree. One study found that Christmas trees can breed mold, quietly releasing millions of spores into the room causing winter allergies and asthma attacks. Studies have found that indoor air quality dropped six-fold over the 14 days a Christmas tree typically decorates a room.
There are 1,000 types of mold that can be found growing in the modern American home. Scientists classify these molds based on the effect they have on humans and other living things.
Black Mold Is Toxigenic
Certain molds prove toxigenic, which means that they produce mycotoxins that cause ill health effects. A little mold is everywhere, but not all mold is poisonous. That doesnt mean you should ignore mold.
Most are familiar with black mold, which is toxigenic and produces mold spores. These form colonies and grow with other spores. High concentrations of these mycotoxins can cause mold poisoning in healthy people, too.
Mold poisoning is also known as mycotoxicosis. This condition affects the upper respiratory system with harmful cold or flu-like symptoms. Additional symptoms due to mycotoxins can prove fatal. Thats especially true for those with severe allergies, asthma or other conditions.
Green-black mold is also harmful. Its found on paper, dust, lint, fiberboard and other low-nitrogen content materials. It can develop and spread after water leaks, floods and condensation.
Until you know more, treat all molds the same due to the potential long-term side effects and health risks. Take mold growth seriously. You will usually see the mold colony and smell the signature musty smell.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Mold Allergy
Mold spores get into your nose and cause rhinitis symptoms. They also can reach the lungs and trigger asthma.
Symptoms can include:
- Mucus in the throat
- Asthma symptoms if you have allergic asthma cough, wheeze, shortness of breath and/or chest tightness
Mold allergy can cause an allergic reaction right away. But in some cases, it may cause delayed symptoms. This can cause a stuffy nose or asthma symptoms that get worse over time. If your symptoms often get worse in a damp, humid, or moldy room like a basement, this may mean you have a mold allergy.
Outdoor molds often cause allergy symptoms in summer and fall. But they may be year-round in warmer, humid climates. Indoor molds may cause allergy symptoms year-round.
Rarely, some people can have a more serious illness called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. In this condition, there is both an allergic and an inflammatory response in the lungs to the mold or fungus. Symptoms may include severe wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, much like asthma.
Food fungi, like mushrooms, dried fruit, or foods containing yeast, vinegar, or soy sauce usually dont cause allergy symptoms in the nose, eyes, and lungs. Reactions to food fungi are often caused by the foods direct effect on blood vessels.
Eliminate The Source Of Mold
Mold can grow anywhere there is dampness. To reduce the risk of mold in your home or office, fix water leaks. Use fans to circulate the air and dry the area. Clean susceptible areas like bathrooms often and use ventilation fans to decrease the humidity in your home. When cleaning, make sure that you wear a mask to prevent the inhalation of mold spores. Once you finish cleaning moldy areas, wash your clothing immediately, and take a shower to prevent spreading mold spores throughout your home. If your home has been subjected to extensive water damage, contact a mold remediation specialist and have your home professionally cleaned. The cleaners may recommend carpets, draperies, and upholstery to be disposed of if they cannot be properly cleaned by the professional.
Mold can be several different colors, including green, black, and brown. Sometimes mold will appear as a spot and begin to grow. Mold has a musty, earthy smell. Mold can be hidden behind drywall, under carpets, or behind wallpaper. Routinely inspect your roof, basement, and crawl space for moisture. Check plumbing pipes, kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms for any signs of mold. Routine inspections of these areas can prevent a large mold infestation. As soon as you notice the first traces of mold, use a mixture of bleach and water to clean the area, and destroy the mold spores.
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Learning What Does House Mold Look Like
If youre seeing signs of fungi infestation in your home, its important to know what does house mold look like. It can appear in many colors, including black, green, white, and brown. Also, it comes in different textures, such as fuzzy, slimy, or hard.
Take a closer look at the suspected area and look for signs that they are present in your house. Keep in mind to take action immediately to avoid serious health problems. If you see any of these, call a professional to come and take a look.
Dont take chances with your health because mold is not worth the risk.
If you find this article helpful, check out the rest of our blog now!
Retrace Your Past Experiences
A case in point is a young male patient who came to Amen Clinics with complaints of sleep disturbance, anxiety, and brain fog. He was initially seen by one of our psychiatrists and referred to me for further workup. A careful history-taking found that these symptoms all started when he moved back home from college into his parents basement apartment. The whole family seems to have forgotten that the basement flooded on several occasions. Mold diagnostic testing revealed the patient had high levels of mold toxins in his body.
The first step is always to remove oneself from the moldy environment, and then treatment can begin. Treatment for a Toxic Brain typically consists of binding agents and other medications, such as antifungals, and metabolic support supplements. This patient improved with proper treatment and remediation of the mold problem. Here was a patient who didnt need any psychiatric medications he simply needed the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. What would have been the outcome for this patient without the proper diagnosis? He almost certainly would have been misdiagnosed as having a mental illness and treated with psychiatric medications.
The good news is that there are ways to determine if a patient has been exposed to toxic mold and that there are successful treatments available.
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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.
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For Help With Mold Removal
To prevent exacerbating your mold-related illness, we recommend finding a professional to assist with mold removal in your home. Youll avoid further exposure to mold and also make sure all traces of mold are removed from your home. Many mold removal professionals offer free in-home consultations, so you can benefit from some expert advice with no obligation. An experienced professional can advise you about how to protect yourself from mold during the mold removal process, even if you opt to do the cleanup yourself, and can offer tips on how to prevent mold in the future. To find experienced mold removal professionals in your area, just follow the link.
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What Is Toxic Mold Syndrome
According to the CDC,certain molds are toxigenic, meaning they can produce toxins .
Mycotoxins, as defined by the World Health Organization, are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain fungi they are commonly found growing on certain types of food, including cereal, nuts, spices, dried fruit, apples, and coffee beans.
Though mycotoxins are commonly found in food, they can be found in other parts of the home where mold is present, which is why remediation is so important. But according to the CDC, There are very few reports that toxigenic molds found inside homes can cause unique or rare health conditions such as pulmonary hemorrhage or memory loss. These case reports are rare, and a causal link between the presence of toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.
The bottom line: If you have any mold, no matter its color or prevalence, removal is strongly recommended. And if you have any medical issues that you think may be related to mold, its best to contact your doctor.
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Does Mold In The Home Cause Health Problems
Mold and health problems. moisture inside homes can lead to mold growth in different spaces. This, in addition to damaging structures, can cause health problems.
The presence of mold in the home causes problems that go far beyond structural damage. While it is true that its smell and the stains it creates on the walls and ceilings are the most notable elements, it should be noted that it causes certain health problems to appear over time.
According to information released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to damp, moldy environments causes respiratory symptoms and allergic reactions in some people. It can also trigger attacks in patients with asthma.
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