Are you feeling sick and wondering if it's mold exposure symptoms? Mold can be toxic to your health and its effects are often mistaken for the common cold or seasonal allergies. This article will explain what to look out for and what you can do to prevent mold exposure from happening to you.
Some molds are harmful to your health. Accidentally inhaling, eating or being exposed through skin contact can cause health problems that range from minor to severe. Mold exposure symptoms aren't the same for everyone which is one reason it can be hard to diagnose. This is because different people have different levels of immunity. People who are allergic to molds are most easily affected. Asthma and asthma attacks are commonly brought on by mold exposure.
Most Americans who suffer from chronic sinusitis can thank the mold spores they inhale for it. It's not just people with asthma and those who are allergic that are affected though. Healthy people can get sick when exposed to mold spores too. Most alarming is the fact that your ability to fight off diseases is significantly compromised when you're constantly exposed to mold. Molds produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins which trigger health problems even in individuals who have no allergic conditions. With all of this being said preventing mold exposure is key to a healthy lifestyle. Cleaning mold in your home should be top priority because that is where you spend the most of your time.
Mold exposure symptoms include allergic reactions, irritation of the skin, infections and toxic effects caused by mycotoxins. When people are allergic to molds, they usually exhibit shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing. Mold exposure symptoms in people with lung problems include fever, infections, cough and other manifestations that are similar to pneumonia. Allergies to molds can manifest over time in people who have no previous sensitivity to molds. You may develop headaches, fatigue, skin rash or skin irritation. Rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever is a group of respiratory symptoms consisting of runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion and redness in the eyes. Diseases that take advantage of a person's poor immune system are called opportunistic infections. For example, a person with AIDS has a weaker immune system and opportunistic infections caused by mold exposure can be deadly to these people. Healthy people may develop athlete's foot or yeast infections which can be caused by molds too.
If you think you might be experiencing mold induced symptoms what can you do? The best solution is to get a check up and tell your doctor about the possibility of a mold exposure. The next step is to get rid of the molds in your home. You will probably need professional help if the area to be treated exceeds two feet. Molds thrive in damp places so fix leaks as soon as they occur. Make sure you have proper ventilation in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens or basements. Removing or cleaning up mold is pointless if you don't get to the root of the problem. Always treat the cause first and then work on removing the mold for good.
There are some companies that conduct mold testing in homes. However, The Center for Disease Control does not recommend routine testing. Individual susceptibility varies which makes the tests unreliable. The government has not established an acceptable quantity of molds so there is no standard on which to go by. Plus mold testing can be very expensive. The tests can tell you if you have mold spores in the home but it cannot determine if your house carries a toxic level. You should however conduct a visual home inspection annually. If you see mold, find and fix the source of the problem. Clean the mold carefully, protecting your respiratory system and skin from contact. Let the area thoroughly dry and check back often to make sure the mold hasn't come back.
Mold exposure treatments will have little value unless you address the cause of the problem. This includes getting rid of molds in areas where you spend your time, such as your home, car and workplace. For some people, getting rid of the source is enough treatment for mold induced allergies. There are ways you can minimize mold exposure. An air dehumidifier helps prevent moisture buildup during humid months. Also, avoid using carpet in places where moisture can buildup over time like in basements and bathrooms. Use fans to maintain good ventilation.
Molds can thrive indoors and out. It is when the right combination of moisture, moderate temperature and adequate light are met that these mold spores flourish, thrive and increase. Allergic reactions can sometimes be life threatening. Respiratory infections caused by molds are fungal infections and are often the hardest to cure. Regularly check your home, car and workplace for the presence of molds. Early detection is the best for your health and wellbeing. Mold exposure symptoms should not be taken lightly.
