Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds.
For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma , may have more intense reactions.
Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.
In the Institute of Medicine IOM found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.
A link between other adverse health effects, such as acute idiopathic pulmonary hemorrhage among infants , memory loss, or lethargy, and molds, including the mold Stachybotrys chartarum has not been proven. Further studies are needed to find out what causes acute idiopathic hemorrhage and other adverse health effects. There is no blood test for mold. Some physicians can do allergy testing for possible allergies to mold, but no clinically proven tests can pinpoint when or where a particular mold exposure took place.
People with allergies may be more sensitive to molds. People with immune suppression or underlying lung disease are more susceptible to fungal infections. Individuals with chronic respiratory disease e.
Individuals with immune suppression are at increased risk for infection from molds. If you or your family members have these conditions, a qualified medical clinician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
Inspect buildings for evidence of water damage and visible mold as part of routine building maintenance, Correct conditions causing mold growth e.
Mold growing in homes and buildings indicates that there is a problem with water or moisture. This is the first problem to address. Remove moldy items from living areas. Once mold starts to grow in carpet, insulation, ceiling tiles, drywall, or wallboard, the only way to deal with the problem is by removal and replacement. It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.
Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly within hours after any flooding. Dig out mud and dirt. Certain mold species thrive on foodstuffs such as cereal, bread, nuts, and dried fruits.
Some of these may contain toxic substances called mycotoxins. People with certain health conditions may be more likely to experience symptoms, including infections and respiratory distress. These conditions include:. Infants, toddlers, and children may be particularly at risk. One study found that children who grew up in mold-infested homes had lower cognitive scores than their peers.
Another study indicated that early mold exposure increased the risk of acquiring asthma later on in life. This finding has been substantiated in other research, including a National Institute of Health NIH -funded study , run by a team at the University of Cincinnati. This study found that the amount of mold in the home, as well as the type of mold, had an impact. This test analyzes dust to identify mold strains and quantity. According to the study, the three species of mold most commonly associated with childhood asthma are Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus unguis, and Penicillium variabile.
The children who lived in homes with high ERMIs during infancy had the highest rates of asthma by age 7. Some workplaces, such as poorly ventilated factories, greenhouses, and vineyards, may house large amounts of mold. Any workplace that contains lots of old paper products, such as used book stores, may be a source of mold. Paper contains cellulose, an organic food source that certain mold species thrive upon. Farms and stables may also harbor large amounts of moldy hay. Mold toxins often develop in hay after a delayed harvest.
Hay that contains mold is dangerous for humans to breathe in and for horses to eat. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis ABPA : This affects the lungs and can cause breathing problems.
Allergic aspergillus sinusitis : This affects the nose and can involve a headache. Aspergilloma, or fungus ball : This can cause a cough, which may produce blood, as well as breathing problems.
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis : Symptoms include breathing problems, a cough, and weight loss. Mold can also trigger the production of microbes and bacteria. Exposure to these bacteria may trigger an inflammatory response in some people, according to the World Health Organization WHO. The WHO also note that mold and the microbial agents it produces may increase the risk of bronchial and fungal infections. Some evidence from the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC suggests that people have experienced the following symptoms after spending time in an environment where mold is present:.
Mold can trigger bronchitis in some people. Which home remedies can help treat bronchitis? Controlling moisture is the key to preventing mold from growing indoors. It is also important to keep the home clean and well ventilated. It is not always possible to prevent mold from growing, but regular cleaning and wiping can reduce the risk of it appearing or getting worse. Wipe hard surfaces with a suitable commercial product, soap and water, or a heavily diluted bleach solution.
Always dry the surfaces after use to prevent mold from reappearing. Wash or wipe porous surfaces and check regularly to see if mold has returned, as it can infiltrate these materials. If mold continues to reappear, consider disposing of these items. Ask at the local hardware store about antifungal paints and other products that can help prevent mold from developing. However, people with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of illness, and especially lung problems, if there are mold spores and mold in the environment.
Others may experience allergic reactions. Keeping an indoor space clean, dry, and well ventilated is the best ways to prevent mold from developing. Anyone who has concerns about mold in the home, the workplace, or an educational or other setting should ask their healthcare provider or state health department for advice. Moth larvae can eat through clothes and other fabrics, and the insects can trigger allergic reactions, which may be serious.
Learn how to get rid of…. For a long term solution, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This involves getting a series of allergy shots over a few years. Immunotherapy can be highly effective, but it is only suitable for certain types of mold allergy. Individuals should treat all molds the same when it comes to removing them from the home. The most effective way to prevent mold growth is to monitor the humidity level in the home.
Also, use proper safety equipment when cleaning up mold in an industrial setting or after a natural disaster. Dehumidifiers are available for purchase online. Based on current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure. In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms.
In people with underlying health conditions, it may lead to more serious complications. Regardless of the type of mold, it is important to remove it from the home for hygiene and health reasons. Read this article in Spanish. Signs that a person should see a doctor for a cough include when it occurs alongside dizziness, weight loss, or fever.
There are many potential causes…. If you have anxiety, a faster heartbeat, or an upset stomach after drinking coffee, you probably have a caffeine sensitivity. But does such a…. Allergies, a cold, the flu, and other infections can cause similar symptoms, including a sore throat.
Learn to find the cause of a sore throat here. Allergic asthma occurs when someone is around certain triggers. Symptoms include chest tightness. Treatment may be possible at home or with lifestyle….
0コメント