Thursday, May 2, 2024

Mold Allergy: What It Is, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

signs of sickness from mold in house

Cumulatively, these actions will build upon one another and lead to more enduring and protective solutions. In December 2023, the EPA released its second annual report on PFAS progress. The report highlights significant accomplishments achieved under the EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. “Black mold” refers to several species of mold that have a dark green or black appearance. If you are allergic to any allergens, a small red bump, about the size of a mosquito bite, will develop at the puncture site within 15 to 20 minutes.

signs of sickness from mold in house

How can I reduce my risk of developing a black mold allergy?

Certain chronic lung (pulmonary) conditions, such as emphysema, tuberculosis or advanced sarcoidosis, can cause air spaces (cavities) to form in the lungs. When people with lung cavities are also infected with aspergillus, fungus fibers may find their way into the cavities and grow into tangled masses (fungus balls) known as aspergillomas. Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mold (fungus). The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis infection usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly.

Infections

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A doctor or clinician can also help pinpoint symptoms caused by mold exposure. An allergy is an abnormal reaction by your immune system to common substances that don’t affect most people. Molds are a type of fungus that exists almost everywhere in the world. The molds that grow inside our houses prefer dark and damp places and can be harmful to some people with immune systems that develop responses against mold. If you have a mold allergy, you react differently to mold than other people. You might have minor symptoms like itchy eyes or a rash, or you might find breathing difficult.

Myths about black mold

Some types of molds can cause even more severe symptoms, like lung infections or anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergy symptoms involving lungs). Other types (like black mold) can produce mycotoxins, which are very dangerous and can even be fatal. Your body can absorb mycotoxins through your airways, skin or intestines. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma) may experience difficulty breathing.

If you do have asthma or other breathing problems, and you suspect you have an allergy to mold, contact your provider. If you have any type of severe breathing problem, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Mold allergy can’t be cured, but it can be managed with efforts to reduce your exposure to mold and with taking suggested medications if needed. You can use the appropriate household cleaners or a bleach and water solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. If you do your own mold cleaning, it’s best to wear protective clothing, including gloves and a respirator.

Are there different types of mold allergies?

And if you have mold in your home, there's no need to determine the type, as all molds should be removed. In general, it's worth seeing a healthcare provider if you have bothersome symptoms or if allergy symptoms are not under control within three to six months. There is some evidence that exposure to indoor molds can play a role in the development of and worsening of asthma in children. Indoor molds can cause allergy symptoms year-round, while outdoor molds are more likely to cause symptoms in summer and fall.

signs of sickness from mold in house

All indoor environments have some mold spores in them, but this does not affect most people. If there is a lot of mold in a person’s home or in another indoor environment, it may be harmful to a person’s health. This is particularly the case if a person has a weakened immune system or an allergy.

Getting rid of black mold

While mold doesn't affect everyone, it's important to clean it up quickly and with proper precautions. If you're not comfortable cleaning it yourself, look into  professional mold remediation services. If you have a compromised immune system or have asthma or COPD, you should not stay in the home or be there during clean-up. If you have symptoms of black mold, it's a good idea to see a healthcare provider to find out for certain. Currently, there's no test that can prove your symptoms are the result of exposure to black mold.

How is a black mold allergy treated?

Regardless of the type of mold, it is important to remove it from the home for hygiene and health reasons. A person should also use proper safety equipment when cleaning up mold in an industrial setting or after a natural disaster. Experts note that treating the health impacts of mold will prove less than effective if mold remains in your environment. For this reason, removing mold from your home is just as important as treating any of its physical effects. If you’re having a serious allergic reaction or difficulty breathing, get emergency help right away.

Since symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to many other conditions, diagnosing a mold allergy requires a visit to a healthcare provider such as an allergist or immunologist. Like any allergic reaction, a mold rash is triggered by an overly sensitive immune system. If you are sensitive or allergic to mold, your immune system identifies mold as an allergen, triggering an allergic reaction that leads to a mold rash and other allergy symptoms.

Further studies are needed to find out what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage and other adverse health effects. Eliminate the sources of the mold from the environment but also eliminate common dietary sources of mold, including grains, coffee, and peanut butter. Symptoms of mold and toxic mold exposure can be combated if you know what to look for. To know how to protect yourself, start by knowing where mold spores thrive. Outside, you’ll find mold in shady, damp areas or where leaves or other vegetation break down. Inside, mold grows in high-humidity locations, such as basements and showers, she says.

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