Are you experiencing multiple chronic symptoms? If yes, you might have mold toxicity – an illness caused by mold or mold toxins. Chronic fatigue symptoms, allergic symptoms, and autoimmunity are often caused because of mold or water-damaged buildings.
In this guide, we will discuss what mold is and how it is damaging our health. So, stay connected to us and continue reading this health guide to explore how mold can damage your home and cause major health concerns.
Table of Contents
What is Mold?
Mold is an organism and is a part of the fungi family. It can grow indoors as well as outdoors. Outside molds are essential for the ecosystem as they help break down plant and animal matter.
However, mold growing inside can be problematic as it can cause allergies and infections in some people. It is common for people to get and stay sickened because of exposure to mold or water-damaged buildings.
Mold can lead to infections or irritants and toxic reactions. Infections caused by mold can lead to various health complications such as flu, skin infection, and even pneumonia.
What is Mold Illness?
Mold illness refers to a wide range of health problems from exposure to various molds. The most common type of mold illness is mold allergy; however, mold can cause illness without an allergic reaction. A mold illness doctor can help in diagnosing the issue and treat it in an efficient manner.
Different Types of Mold
Mold can be of different types. Let’s discuss a few of them.
· Allergenic Molds
Allergenic molds cause fewer health complications and may cause problems for individuals suffering from asthma. Children are more likely to experience mold allergies compared to adults.
· Pathogenic Molds
Pathogenic molds cause some infections. This is a big problem for individuals who have suppressed immune systems. A mild response resembling bacterial pneumonia is commonly found among those exposed to such molds.
· Toxigenic Molds
Toxigenic molds produce mycotoxins which can cause serious health complications. They are linked to immunosuppression and cancer. The toxic chemicals such types of molds can be absorbed into the body when a person inhales them, eats them, or even touches them.
· Symptoms of Mold Illness
Mold illness symptoms vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. You might experience year-round symptoms or symptoms that show up only during certain times of the year. You may experience mild illness symptoms when the weather is damp.
If you have a mold allergy, your immune system may overreact when you breathe in mold spores. Also, mold allergy can cause coughing, itchy eyes, and other symptoms which make you miserable. Similarly, a mold allergy is linked to asthma and may lead to restricted breathing and other airway symptoms.
Usually, mold allergy causes the same signs and symptoms as other types of respiratory allergies. Some of the commonly experienced mold illness symptoms are:
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Dry, scaly skin
- Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- Cough and postnasal drip
How Does Mold Get Inside?
Outdoor molds release tiny spores which float through the air. These spores may enter your home through the doors, windows, air conditioning vents, clothing, and shoes. Once these spores get inside, they start growing in the right conditions, such as; sinks, bathtubs, near leaky pipes, or around windows.
These spores can latch onto various materials, including; fabrics, carpet, wood, paint, wallpaper, insulation, ceiling tiles, or dust.
How to Know if You Have A Mold Problem?
Get alerted whenever you see mold in your house as it is an origin of a problem. Mold starts as a little spot; however, it grows quickly. You will usually notice it as soon as it starts popping out unless it initiates in a hidden location. All types of mold can cause severe health issues and must be removed.
