What health problems can mold cause?

What health problems can mold cause?

Exposure to mold can cause several health issues such as; throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, cough, and wheezing, as well as skin irritation in some cases. Exposure to mold may also cause heightened sensitivity depending on the time and nature of exposure.

Can mold cause personality changes?

Toxic mold exposure has also been linked to more serious, long-term effects like memory loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, and confusion.

Can you get sick from touching mold?

Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.

Can mold grow in your lungs?

The mold spores can colonize (grow) inside lung cavities that developed as a result of chronic diseases, such tuberculosis, emphysema, or advanced sarcoidosis.

What does mold poisoning feel like?

If they come into contact with mold, they may experience symptoms, such as: a runny or blocked nose. watery, red eyes. a dry cough.

How long does it take for mold to affect you?

These microorganisms can quickly fill the air and spread throughout your home, affecting more and more areas and endangering your health with every passing hour. Mold spores that start to colonize on surfaces within 24 hours become visible in about 18 to 21 days of the flooding.

How do I know if my cough is from mold?

A cough is considered “acute” if it lasts three weeks or less. It is considered “chronic” if it lasts longer. A cough is a common symptom of mold exposure, along with sneezing, a runny or a stuffy nose, a sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing and headaches.

Does mold poisoning go away?

Although symptoms may decrease, CIRS will not go away on its own after you’ve removed yourself from exposure. Many CIRS sufferers who visit my office are worried when they don’t get better after leaving their water-damaged home or office.

How do you detox from mold exposure?

Look in your basement or crawlspace for any standing water or dampness. If you find traces of mold or dampness, you need to scrub the area with a mixture of bleach and water. Then, place fans in the area to dry the dampness. It can take 24 to 48 hours to properly ventilate and dry the area.

How do you recover from mold poisoning?

5 Steps to Regaining Health after Mold

• Test Your Environment For Mold.
• Remove Yourself From Moldy Environments and Possessions.
• Follow an Individualized Mold Treatment Plan from a Knowledgeable Practitioner.
• Consider How Food Affects Recovery from Mold Illness.

How is mold poisoning treated?

Treatment

1. Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat the inflammation caused by an upper respiratory mold allergy.
2. Antihistamines. These medications can help with itching, sneezing and runny nose.
3. Oral decongestants.
4. Decongestant nasal sprays.
5. Montelukast.

Can your doctor test you for mold exposure?

There are no proven tests that show when or where you may have been exposed to mold. However, your doctor may check for mold allergies by reviewing your symptoms and performing one of the following tests: Blood test.

What kind of doctor do you see for mold exposure?

You should first consult a family or general health care provider who will decide whether you need referral to a specialist. Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections.

Can I stay in my house with black mold?

It is recommended that you stay somewhere clear of mold spores until all black mold has been removed from your home. This is because black mold is toxic and can cause immediate health issues and result in long-term consequences. Black mold mostly impacts the lungs and triggers respiratory problems.

What does black mold smell like?

It’s often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. If you’re smelling mold in a usually dry area, you might have water damage or a leaking pipe.

What does toxic black mold look like?

Toxic mold can also have a grayish, soot-like texture, or a slimy, wet surface. In some cases, you may even notice furry orange or brown spots. If you find mold with any of these qualities in your home, don’t get too close, and call a professional right away.

What does black mold look like in a house?

Black mold is most likely to appear in areas of the home that are particularly warm, humid and damp. Black mold is readily identifiable by its color. Whereas most other molds are green or gray in color, toxic black mold is a dark black.

What does black mold look like in bathroom?

These varieties of mold mostly look dark brown or green with Stachybotrys — the most dangerous kind common to bathrooms — appearing so dark that it’s almost black and Penicillium sometimes having a blue, green or yellowish tint to it. “It can be difficult to tell different types of mold from another,” Tolliver said.