Signs and Symptoms of Mold Exposure...

Liubomyr Vorona / Getty Images

Medically reviewed by Jurairat J. Molina, MDMedically reviewed by Jurairat J. Molina, MDMold is a naturally occurring fungus that grows both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in wet environments because it needs moisture to grow. Mold commonly grows in kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere with indoor water damage. If exposed to mold, you may experience sinus congestion, a skin rash, and, in some cases, trouble breathing.Certain molds produce toxins called mycotoxins. Long-term exposure to these toxins may cause more serious health problems.Anyone can have symptoms of mold exposure, but the effects tend to be more severe in people with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and people with a weakened immune system. Symptoms are mild in most people and may develop over a longer or shorter period of time.Common SymptomsPeople who come into contact with mold often develop an allergy to it. Other people do not develop an allergy but have symptoms when mold irritates their sinuses, lungs, eyes, or skin.Whether or not they are caused by an allergy, common symptoms of mold exposure can look similar to common allergies. These symptoms may include:SneezingRunny or stuffy noseCoughingWheezingSore throatRed or irritated eyesHeadacheSkin rashSymptoms can vary depending on the type of mold, the amount of exposure, and your level of sensitivity. Repeated allergic reactions to mold may cause increased sensitivity to mold, leading to more severe reactions over time.Symptoms in People With AsthmaIn people with asthma, mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks (exacerbations), even in people not allergic to mold. Asthma attacks often involve chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Research shows that repeated exposure to mold can lead to more severe asthma in people with the condition. People without asthma may develop the condition if they have repeated allergic reactions to mold over time. For example, the common mold Aspergillus fumigatus can lead to fungal asthma. With asthma, excess mucus can block your airways.Less Common SymptomsSome research on people who live or work in structures with mold growth has found additional symptoms related to mold exposure.Symptoms you may develop from long-term exposure to mold include:Neurologic symptoms, such as memory loss, impaired balance, and dizzinessMusculoskeletal symptoms, such as joint pain and tendernessGastrointestinal symptoms, such as gas, abdominal bloating, and crampsCardiovascular symptoms, such as coughing up blood and bleeding under the skinIn rarer cases, people with a compromised immune system or chronic lung diseases can develop infections like pneumonia after mold exposure. Certain types of mold are more likely than others to cause infections. MycotoxinsExposure to mycotoxins produced by mold may lead to more severe symptoms and health problems.People often directly consume mycotoxins when mold grows on food. Some of these mycotoxins can cause immediate poisoning and liver damage. Consuming mycotoxins can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Researchers are still learning about the specific health effects of mold mycotoxins.Symptoms in ChildrenChildren are particularly prone to the health effects of mold exposure. There is strong evidence that mold exposure can worsen asthma symptoms or cause it to develop in infants. Infants living in homes with mold growth were three times more likely to develop asthma by the time they were seven years old.It is not always possible to control when and where your children are exposed to mold. While you may eradicate it from your home, your child may still come into contact with mold at school. Children with asthma who are regularly exposed to mold at school have more frequent asthma symptoms than those who are not.Symptoms of Chronic Mold ExposurePeople who live or work in buildings with constant moisture and little airflow are at higher risk for long-term mold exposure. Over the long term, exposure to mold mycotoxins may lead to chronic inflammation and changes to your immune system.Some research suggests that chronic exposure to mold and its mycotoxins can worsen health conditions such as:AsthmaLiver cancerInflammatory bowel disease (IBD)Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Autoimmune conditionsWhen to Contact a Healthcare ProviderSome people are more sensitive to mold than others. If you notice you are experiencing respiratory issues after being in a particular building, you may have mold exposure.Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms like constant coughing, wheezing, and congestion.
Questions To Ask Your ProviderIf you believe that mold exposure may be affecting your health, ask your healthcare provider:How can I tell whether mold or a different allergen is causing my respiratory symptoms?Could mold exposure be the cause of my persistent headaches?Should I test my home for mold since my child has asthma?
A Quick ReviewMold occurs naturally in our environment, and we all come into contact with it frequently. However, indoor mold can irritate your respiratory system.Mold exposure can lead to various symptoms, including skin irritation, a sore throat, and constant headaches. Children, older adults, and people with impaired immune systems are at higher risk for health problems from breathing in toxins from mold exposure.Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to be exposed to mold before it affects you?

The amount of time you must be exposed to mold before you develop symptoms can vary greatly depending on whether you have a mold allergy or asthma.For people with these conditions, mold may begin to cause symptoms immediately. Other people may have more delayed symptoms.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

Mold can grow inside walls where pipes have leaked or floods have occurred. If the area does not dry out properly, mold may begin to grow there.Living or working in structures with mold growth behind the walls can cause mold exposure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, sneezing, coughing, or headache.

What foods remove mold from the body?

No specific foods have been scientifically proven to remove mold from the body. However, some research shows that quercetin, an antioxidant found in foods like onions and grapes, may help protect against the negative health effects of certain mycotoxins.

For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!

Source link

What's your thought on the article, write a comment

0 Comments

Sign In to perform this Activity

Account Frozen

Ads