Why Does Mold Cause Vertigo
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.
How To Remove Mold From Your Home
The best way to relieve your symptoms and/or prevent mold allergies is to remove mold from your home. You should first look for black growths in your household, especially in warm rooms with high levels of moisture. Even if you cant see any mold, if you start coughing or wheezing the moment you enter a room, chances are that it may contain mold buildups.
If you find mold on your walls, tables, or other surfaces, you need to remove it promptly. More importantly, you also need to identify and remove the causes of mold growth in your home. These can range from leaky roofs and improper ventilation to old, deteriorating wallpaper and wood.
As explained, mold and mycotoxins can also be ingested through food. It is thus important to ensure that all food items in your home are stored safely. Rather than stocking up on food, try to buy it shortly before you plan on consuming it. This is especially important with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains, which can all go bad if you dont eat them shortly after buying them. Make sure to throw away any items that are past their expiration date.
Mold Symptoms In Body
Some people may experience mold symptoms in body immediately, while others may not notice any effects for months or even years. Additionally, the severity of symptoms will vary from person to person and can depend on the type of mold that you are exposed to.
Common mold symptoms in body include:
- Respiratory problems
- Sinus infections or congestion
- Memory difficulties
- Mood swings
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms of mold exposure, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on almost any surface, including the human body. While most mold is harmless, some types can cause serious health problems. Mold can enter the body through the nose, mouth, or skin. It can also be inhaled into the lungs. Once mold starts growing on the body, it can be difficult to get rid of. Treatment usually involves a combination of anti-fungal medication and allergy medications.
Also Check: How To Remove Mold From Basement
Where Can Black Mold Be Found In Homes
Black mold thrives in warm and damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. To prevent black mold growth problems in your home, make sure there are no leaks that can lead to water damage. Use fans and dehumidifiers to keep the humidity in your home between 40% and 50%. Learn more about mold prevention tips here.
Pains In The Nose And Face
The main reason that mold exposure may cause headaches is because, more often than not, mold spores can irritate the respiratory system and cause problems with the immune system, which can in turn aggravate the sinuses. And anyone who contends with seasonal allergies on a regular basis and/or is hyper-sensitive to changes in barometric pressure will tell you that irritated sinuses can result in a whopping headache.
Sinus headaches usually feel like dull, constant pressure in your cheekbones, your forehead, the bridge of your nose, or your inner ears. In severe cases, folks may almost feel like something is trying to push one of their eyes out of its socketand in very severe cases, a person may feel like their eye popping out would actually be a good thing, because at least then, they might experience some relief from the pressure in their skull!
The good news is that sinus headaches can typically be tamed with an over-the-counter painkiller, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages , too, thus helping to reduce some of the pressure and curbing discomfort at its source.
Recommended Reading: Removing Mold From Leather
Treating Black Mold Poisoning
If you suspect youre suffering from symptoms associated with black mold exposure or poisoning, there are some things you can do to improve your health.
In conclusion, the best way to avoid the negative effects of black mold poisoning is to minimize your black mold exposure.
You can do this by preventing its growth in the first place. If its too late to prevent it and you suspect theres black mold already in your home, dont wait to book removal, completed quickly and efficiently by the industry experts.
Black mold, typically green or black, in your home, can be extremely hazardous to your health.
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:
- Depression
You May Like: Removing Mildew From Bathroom Ceiling
Symptoms From Mold In House
Molds are fungi that can be found both indoors and outdoors. Molds can grow on almost any surface, including wood, paper, carpet, food, and insulation. When mold grows on surfaces, it often produces spores. These spores can cause mold allergy symptoms in some people. Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health problems. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions may be more susceptible to the effects of mold. In some cases, exposure to mold can lead to serious infections. If you suspect that there is mold in your home, it is important to have it removed by a professional. Mold can be difficult to remove and can cause further damage to your home and health if not removed properly.
If you think there might be mold in your house, look for common symptoms from mold in house including:
- Respiratory problems such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing
- Nasal and sinus congestion
- Mood swings
- In severe cases, mold exposure can lead to lung infections or bleeding in the lungs.
If you experience any of these symptoms, its important to see a doctor right away. Mold exposure can be very dangerous, and its important to get treated as soon as possible.
How Does Black Mold Affect Children
Black mold exposure can impact a childs health if they inhale, ingest, or come into skin or eye contact with mold spores. According to the Centers for Disease Control , black mold exposure is linked to respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. In addition, black mold exposure can cause some children to develop asthma, especially those who have genetically compromised immune systems.
You May Like: Ultraviolet Light Mold Removal
How Fast Does Black Mold Spread
Mold begins to grow as soon as its spores land on a damp, fibre-rich material and it can spread around the house within 24 to 48 hours. It colonizes in one to twelve days and grows at one square inch per day. In less than a week, it can cover surface areas of several square feet.
Unfortunately in most cases, mold is widespread and already a big problem before a problem is even suspected by the homeowners.
What Are The Symptoms Of Mold Sickness
If your Total Body Burden is high, or you are genetically predisposed to recycling toxins, regular exposure to mold can cause allergy symptoms, such as:
- Wheezing/shortness of breath
- Long standing or frequent sinusitis
And, serious pain and neurological symptoms, such as:
- Headaches and migraines
- Muscle cramping, aches and pains
- Persistent nerve pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Poor memory, brain fog, difficulty with focus
In some cases, the spores from mold take root and grow in specific parts of the body, such as the lungs and sinuses. This can cause serious respiratory illnesses and infections.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Mold Spots On Bathroom Ceiling
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Canvas
Q: Can Mold On Toothbrush Make You Sick
A: Yes, mold on toothbrushes can cause health issues such as asthma, sinusitis, and allergies. The best way to prevent mold from growing on your toothbrush is to keep it clean and dry. If you do not want to throw away your toothbrush, then you should soak it in hot water for 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse it thoroughly with soap and water.
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.
Read Also: Diy Mold Removal Basement
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Bathroom Ceiling Naturally
Mold Toxicity Symptoms In Humans
Some of the most common symptoms of mold toxicity in humans include headaches, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, skin rashes and irritations, and respiratory problems. Mold toxicity occurs when a person is exposed to mold spores or toxins produced by mold. Mold exposure can happen through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. Once the mold spores or toxins enter the body, they can start to cause health problems. Symptoms of mold toxicity depend on the type of mold and the persons individual susceptibility but can range from mild to severe.
Can Black Mold Cause Respiratory Problems
In a residential setting, people are generally exposed to black mold through breathing in mold spores and mycotoxins. When ingested, mold spores have the potential to cause irritation and a burning sensation in air passages, such as the nasal cavity, mouth, and throat.
Some common symptoms for respiratory issues from black mold exposure include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Nose bleeds
- Runny, itchy, or stuffy nose
- Bleeding gums
- Burning sensation of the mouth
- Wheezing
- Bleeding or swelling in the lungs
You May Like: Moldy Ceiling In Bathroom
Moldy Buildings As The Cause Or Trigger Of Migraines
Although migraines can be caused by mold, mycotoxins and other associated toxins in water-damaged buildings are not generally recognized as a factor by most practitioners. Therefore, they donât ask their patients if they have been exposed to a moldy building. However, mold mycotoxins and other toxins from water-damaged buildings can trigger migraines. Headaches, including migraines are often associated with reactions to water-damaged buildings and these migraines can be part of a condition called Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome due to a water-damaged building or Mold Related Illness. However, mold related illness is not usually on the list of triggers to rule out when someone has a migraine. If an individual cant find a causative factor for their migraines, I suggest they consider the possibility that toxins from a water-damaged building may be causing them. If the person has a history of exposure to water-damaged buildings at home, work or school, this definitely needs to be included as a possible factor.
Migraines Are Not The Only Symptom Caused By Mold Exposure
Not Everyone In A Moldy Building Has Migraines Or Other Symptoms
Moldy Places And Migraines
How Do You Know A Moldy Building Is The Issue
Many people are overwhelmed by how to figure out if their migraines are caused by mold. Here are some tools you can use to help you figure this out.
You Can Test Yourself For Visual Changes, Inflammatory Markers And Mycotoxins
Testing Your Home Or Other Buildings
Look For Mold And Moist Areas
Constantly check the basement, crawl areas, moist structure around the house, after that aim to the attic and moist rafters, moist insulation and any indicators of formerly moist areas. One way to identify the moldy location is to discover if you begin really feeling bad while in it. Make a note and attempt again a few days later. If you really feel even worse again, after that start trying to find your water source.
Now, just quit the moisture. You could need to wrap pipelines, repair roofing, stretch the gutter system downspouts away from your home, tidy the sump pump pit, bleach the wall surfaces and etc. It can be a quite engaged procedure. However, the end result is fewer migraine headaches.
You May Like: Mold On Ceiling In Bathroom
Can Black Mold Spores Travel In The Air
Yes. Mold spores are airborne and can attach themselves to peoples skin, clothing, shoes, shopping bags, furniture, carpets, and even pets. Once spores enter your home, they can settle onto any surface and start to multiply. They can also enter your house through open doorways, open windows, and HVAC systems.
Mold spores are microscopic and are virtually found everywhere. They are naturally found in the air we breathe, both indoors and outdoors. Since spores are tiny and lightweight, they become airborne easily, every time we vacuum or walk on the carpets or even sit on our couch.
Mold Exposure Respiratory Problems
Mold spores can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, and cause coughing. The irritation is caused by the bodys immune response to the mold spores. Coughing is a reflex that helps clear your airways of irritants like dust, smoke, and mucus. When you have an irritant in your airway, your body automatically tries to remove it by coughing. However, sometimes coughing can become frequent and chronic . This is called a cough reflex disorder.
Mold spores can irritate the airways and cause wheezing. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound made while you breathe. Its usually caused by narrowed airways. When your airways are narrowed, the airflow through them is reduced. This can make it hard to breathe, and you may hear a wheezing sound when you breathe out.
Mold spores can irritate the lungs and cause difficulty breathing. The irritation is caused by the bodys immune response to the mold spores. The immune system is designed to protect the body from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. However, sometimes the immune system will mistake substances, such as mold spores, for harmful invaders. When this happens, the immune system will release chemicals that cause inflammation. The inflammation can narrow the airways and make it difficult to breathe.
Read Also: Stair Nose Molding For Vinyl Plank Flooring
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
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 itâs 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.
Recommended Reading: Basement Mold Removal Diy
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On Bathroom Ceiling
Coughing And Shortness Of Breath
The irritation and inflammation caused by mold often lead to frequent coughing that is otherwise unexplained.
The throat and lungs are irritated continuously when repeatedly exposed to mycotoxins. If the issue isnt addressed, this coughing can develop into more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The same inflammation that causes irritated, constricted airways that lead to wheezing and coughing can eventually lead to shortness of breath.
This gives a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may feel like you are unable to take in a full breath.
