Mold is a fungus; it grows indoor and outdoor places. It mainly thrives well in wet situations because it thrives in places with moisture since it requires growth. The molds are mostly developed in kitchens and bathrooms, alongside any indoor house with water damage. When you encounter mold, there is sinus congestion, a skin rash, and problems breathing.
Some molds produce mycotoxins. A long exposure can lead to far more severe illnesses.
The effects tend to be more severe in people with respiratory conditions, older adults, children, and people with a weakened immune system. Anyone can have symptoms of mold exposure. Most people experience mild symptoms that can develop over a longer or shorter period of time.
Common Symptoms
The most people who have any contact with molds develop allergies for it. The other individuals may not develop allergy but react in case their sinuses, lungs, eyes, or skin are irritated by mold.
Whether or not they are allergic, common symptoms of mold exposure look similar to common allergies. Some of the symptoms include
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Red or irritated eyes
- Headache
- Skin rash
Symptoms may depend on the type of mold, amount of exposure, and the individual’s level of sensitivity. Increased sensitivity to mold from repeated allergic reactions to mold may lead to worse reactions with time.
Symptoms in Asthmatics
Mold exposure can trigger asthma attacks, also known as exacerbations, even in people not allergic to mold. Asthma attacks often include chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. More severe asthma is developed in patients with the disease after repeated exposure to mold.
People without asthma may, over many years of ongoing exposure, develop the condition after repeated allergic reactions to mold. For instance, Aspergillus fumigatus-the most common mold-can cause fungal asthma. People who have asthma, have an overproduction of mucus that can close off the airways.
Other Infrequent Symptoms
There is some studies among people who live or work in a structure that has mold growth, have other symptoms associated with exposure to mold.
Symptoms you may acquire from long-term exposure to mold are:
- Neurologic signs, including memory loss, poor balance, and dizziness
- Musculoskeletal signs, for example joint pain and tenderness
- Gastrointestinal signs, including gas, abdominal bloating, and cramps.
- Cardiovascular signs, such as coughing up blood and under the skin bleeding
Other infections, for instance pneumonia, might result after one is exposed to molds. Such usually affects people who have problems with their immune system or chronic lung diseases. All molds are not equally likely to cause infections.
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins produced by mold may cause even more serious symptoms and health conditions.
Mold growth on food directly leads to the consumption of mycotoxins by people. Some of these mycotoxins cause poisoning and liver damage immediately. Consuming mycotoxins can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation. Scientists are still studying about the particular health effects of mycotoxins produced by mold.
Symptoms in Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to health effects from mold exposure. There is good evidence that mold exposure will exacerbate asthma symptoms or actually cause it in infants.Infants who had been exposed to mold growth at home were three times more likely to develop asthma by the age of seven
You cannot 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 Exposure
Those people who live or work in buildings with constant moisture and little airflow are at a higher risk for long-term mold exposure. Long-term exposure to mold mycotoxins may lead to chronic inflammation and changes to your immune system over the long term.
- Asthma
- Liver cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Autoimmune disorders
When to Call a Doctor
Some individuals are more susceptible to mold exposure than others. You may be experiencing mold exposure if you suspect you are suffering from respiratory conditions each time you enter a given building.
Call your doctor if you experience the following: persistent coughing, wheezing, and congestion.
