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They can help determine whether mold allergy could be contributing to your symptoms. Research emphasizes that it often proves challenging to distinguish between mold allergies and sensitivity to other common allergens, like dust, pollen, and pet dander. A healthcare professional may recommend a skin prick test to determine whether mold has triggered your allergic symptoms. A 2015 review estimates that 3 to 10 percent of people have a higher sensitivity to the effects of mold. If you have mold sensitivity, you might show signs of an allergic reaction, including itching skin and a watery nose and eyes, when exposed.
What is black mold?
Less frequently, black mold symptoms can include hives, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If you've already been diagnosed with allergies or asthma, let your provider know that your symptoms are persistent or worsening. Be sure to mention if you've been exposed to mold, especially if you've touched it or breathed it in.
Other Symptoms of Mold Exposure
If you have to stay in a moldy home, you need to take steps to reduce your exposure to mold. 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 the toxigenic mold and these conditions has not been proven.
The 5 ways mould in your house can harm your health – and signs you need to know... - The Sun
The 5 ways mould in your house can harm your health – and signs you need to know....
Posted: Fri, 03 Dec 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Blood Tests
An allergic reaction can occur when you touch mold or breathe in mold spores, which can cause typical hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms. This can happen right away, or you can have a delayed reaction. If you have a compromised immune system or an infection due to mold exposure, a healthcare professional might prescribe an antifungal medication like voriconazole, according to a 2015 review. To be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid breathing in large amounts of mold, for instance if you’re cleaning up after major water damage. These include situations that involve water dirtied by sewage or other contaminants.
There is no way to completely prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow. Being allergic to one type of mold doesn't mean you'll be allergic to another. Some of the most common molds that cause allergies include alternaria, aspergillus, cladosporium and penicillium.
Who’s most at risk for developing symptoms from mold exposure?
Many side effects of mold exposure are similar to other conditions, like seasonal allergies. If you don’t have a mold allergy, a one-time exposure may cause no symptoms. But sometimes, it can cause symptoms even if you’re not allergic. If you have a mold allergy, your immune system thinks certain mold spores are invaders, or allergens. So, when you inhale spores, your body reacts by triggering sneezing or nasal congestion.
Research indicates that immunotherapy with mold extracts can reduce asthma symptoms and the need for medication in people who have allergic asthma. This type of therapy can also help you maintain lung function. Taking a complete medical history can reveal whether you have a higher risk of being allergic to mold.
How bad is mold for your health?
Specifically in your laundry room, mold releases a hydrogen sulfide gas that creates a sulfur-like smell when mixed with the excess moisture that signifies mold is present and hidden. "Mold comes in different colors and textures, from black and green to white and yellow. If you spot any patches on surfaces like walls or ceilings, it's likely mold," Brunke says. Other areas of the home to scout for mold due to moisture or condensation would be under your sinks, the window sills, or laundry room. Individuals should treat all molds the same when it comes to removing them from the home. Courtney Telloian is a writer with work published on Healthline, Psych Central, and Insider.
It can take up to five years of treatment to build long-term resistance. However, lasting relief and a reduction in allergy symptoms are possible with immunotherapy even after treatment ends. The test involves placing droplets of mold allergens onto the surface of your skin with tiny punctures. If more than one allergen is being tested, they will be placed at different spots to observe separate reactions. A physical exam may reveal symptoms that indicate whether your rash may be linked to mold or another medical condition. "Always wear protective gear, like gloves and masks, when dealing with mold."
While most people think of "toxic black mold" as causing complications in healthy people without preexisting conditions, that idea has been disproven. There is no scientific evidence that exposure to mold causes autoimmune disease. Sometimes people can develop a fungal infection when they inhale mold spores. For example, coccidioidomycosis (commonly called Valley fever) is a fungal infection of the lungs. It's also vital to remain vigilant for any recurrence of symptoms, as re-exposure to mold can happen and lead to a return of the condition. Diagnosing a mold rash involves determining whether you have a mold allergy.
"Mold in your home isn't just unsightly, it's a health hazard," says Mark Brunke, the senior plumber at John the Plumber in Florida. "Breathing in mold spores can lead to allergies, respiratory issues, and even more serious health problems." On the basis of current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. A doctor may take a blood sample to diagnose a systemic fungal infection in someone with a weakened immune system. In general, normal amounts of mold in the environment do not pose a substantial health risk to healthy people with regular immune system function.
On average, mold remediation costs around $2,254, but this will depend on the size of the home, the extent of the problem, and the type of mold, among other factors. However, it’s highly recommended to call a professional inspector who specializes in testing for mold in a house for an accurate assessment on the severity of the mold problem. The typical cost of a mold inspection is between $295 and $1,010, with a national average of $648. If you’re allergic or sensitive to mold, it’s important to avoid direct contact with mold as much as possible. If exposure only lasts a few seconds or minutes, you may not have symptoms.
For those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, the situation can be more serious. It’s worth noting that mold mites, which are common where mold growth is present, can cause similar reactions in those who are allergic to them. There have been rumors linking black mold exposure to health issues such as memory loss and headaches. This was thought to be because black mold spores release toxic compounds called mycotoxins.
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