Mold Health Risks
Mold Health Risks
Mold can pose a health risk to people with respiratory or immune system problems. Allergies and irritation caused by mold can trigger symptoms such as sneezing, itchy skin, runny nose, coughing and wheezing.
Mold can also cause a rare condition called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to mold spores in the lungs.
Respiratory Issues
If you have respiratory problems or an allergy to mold, you may get sick from exposure to it. You could have itching, a runny nose or watery eyes. It can also cause a serious illness called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).
The symptoms you have could vary depending on which type of mold is in your home or lungs. You might have a stuffy or runny nose, wheezing and chest tightness.
Your doctor can help you decide if mold exposure is a problem for you. He can recommend medications to treat it.
There is no "safe" level of exposure to mold spores, because they are tiny and can get into the lungs easily. Even short exposures can trigger asthma symptoms in people with allergies or a weak immune system.
Allergies
Allergies are reactions that occur when your body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless, like dust, pollen, mold or animal dander. They can be mild or severe and include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and skin rashes.
People who are allergic to mold can also have asthma symptoms when they breathe in spores from the mold that is growing around them, or on their clothes, floors or carpet. These spores can enter the lungs and trigger an asthma attack, according to Kunjana Mavunda, M.D., a Miami-based pediatric pulmonologist and specialist in tropical medicine and hygiene.
When your doctor suspects you have a mold allergy, they will ask you about your medical history, perform a physical exam and do skin or blood tests to confirm a positive reaction. They may also recommend a course of allergy shots to help your body's immune system more effectively deal with mold.
Asthma
If you have asthma, your lungs may be more sensitive to mold. This can cause you to have trouble breathing, or it can make your symptoms worse.
Asthma is a lung disease that causes the airways to get narrow and the muscles around them tighten. It can be triggered by things that irritate the lungs, like allergens, toxins or fumes from second-hand smoke.
Having asthma can be more common in certain people. These include infants and young children whose immune systems haven't finished developing.
The risk of having asthma can also be influenced by genetics and environmental factors. If you have a family history of asthma, you're more likely to develop the condition.
Illness
Mold can cause several health problems, including allergic illness, irritant effects and infection. These symptoms can vary for each person and are based on their level of sensitivity.
People who are allergic to mold may have sneezing, a runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. These symptoms may occur immediately or after exposure to spores.
The spores can also cause respiratory infections. These infections can be serious, especially in people with asthma or other weakened immune systems.
If you suspect that you have a problem with mold in your home, contact your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will perform allergy and lung tests.
Mold can cause a serious illness called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This occurs when airborne particles containing mold spores cause lung inflammation. This is most common in people who work outdoors or have asthma or other health conditions that reduce their ability to fight off allergens. This can cause fever and difficulty breathing.