Mold Allergies

Mold allergies belong to a group of health problems that can affect individuals of all ages. This is most specially true for people who reside in places where the climate humid since molds need moisture to develop.  The main sources of mold allergies are the mold spores or tiny fragments of mold growths that enter your body  via the nose when breathing. These spores pass through the respiratory tract and continue to linger in the upper part of respiratory system or settle in the lungs. In this situation, an irritation in breathing will arise.

Molds originated from places where moisture and oxygen are present. In organic surroundings, they may flourish on decaying vegetations, logs, and shaded areas. In homes, they may cultivate in garages, bathrooms, closets, attics, damp basements, and other spots that are moisture rich. On the other hand, the main spots for the mold spores are not only found inside the home. There are places like the old buildings, bakeries, greenhouses, and industrial plants that are very prone to mold infestations as well. Molds have an omnipresent character and it’s crucial that we recognize where mold came from and how they work.

Through the air is not the only mean where molds can enter the body. Ordinary foods such as cheese, dried fruits and mushrooms make the way for molds to be carried inside the body. Dealing with molds at the earliest stages will make it easier for you to get rid of them, so act out on the first indication of mold growth.

Symptoms of mold allergies are the same as that of pollen’s recurring allergies. Here are the usual symptoms of mold allergies:

1.     difficulty in breathing
2.    watery and itchy eyes
3.     nasal congestion
4.    stuffed up nose
5.    coughing
6.     sneezing

The response to these molds is not at all times instant. It can from time to time be late, and it all depends on the seriousness of the allergy. One can remedy common mold allergy by an appropriate medication.

Furthermore, there are kinds of mold allergies that can possibly result in lung diseases and asthma. In serious conditions, the infected individual can even come to a point of being comatose and, in extreme cases, even death.

There are over a thousand types of molds that exist, but only about twelve are thought to cause allergies. Included in the list is the black mold, this is a grave menace, particularly in the south. This is mostly due to the foam board sheathing that was installed in many places with no appropriate ventilation. This inadequate ventilation may perhaps be the main cause for the development of black mold. And because black mold is highly toxic, warning signs of such mold allergies are acute compared to other typical mold allergies.

As it was stated, the most hazardous kind of allergen is the statchybotys or black mold; it is a fatal form of mold allergen that is capable of affecting children in a harmful way. It causes skin rashes and lung damage to infants as well as  a host of other health issues for young and old alike.

Black Mold Health Issues

When you think of mold, you think of it infecting your house  - your tiles and grount and the rooms of your house like basements, attics, and bathrooms. The sense of sight as well as the sense of smell can be used to detect if you have mold in your home early on, as molds can be determined by the discoloration(usually yellowish, brownish or blackish) and the musty odor.

Of all the kinds of mold, black mold health issues pose the highest risk, so we have to be alert for this slimy greenish-black substance. Black mold is commonly found on soaked wood and ceiling tiles. It can also grow on insulation and drywalls. If one were to touch black mold, it would feel slippery and would smudge a bit.

Black mold is serious because it can have adverse effects to your health.

Mold effects different people differently. Some people may have acute reactions to it, while others have little or none at all. Since mold spores are so small and can’t be seen by the naked eye, we don’t know if we are already inhaling them. People who have a history of asthma and other breathing problems are more sensitive to mold; therefore, should be more careful. People who have weaker immune systems should also be wary of this toxic mold, because they are more susceptible to mold infection.
The black mold health issues are many and varied.  Mold spores can be inhaled or ingested through food and can lead to various health risks and illnesses like asthma, upper respiratory problems, sinusitis, dry cough, skin rashes, upset stomach problems, headaches, itchy eyes, breathing difficulties, runny nose, disorientation, skin sores, chronic fatigue and nose bleeding. Severe exposure to mold can even lead to internal bleeding, kidney, or liver failure. The best way to handle mold infections is by consulting a doctor on the early signs which might include sneezing or itchy eyes after mold exposure.

Natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes and floods can add to mold formation, so if your family is moving to a new place that has recently experienced these calamities, make sure to clean the whole place, especially where there can be leaks, before moving in. To prevent mold growth, make sure to clean wet surfaces, and throw out wet materials, especially after a flood or leaks in the plumbing, because sometimes even dead mold spreads germs. When eliminating black mold, one should be very cautious because by simply wiping and scraping it off, you increase the risk of spreading the spores through the air.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to avert mold manifestation. By using adequate ventilation and moisture, mold killing products available at home depot stores, and of course, keeping the house clean and free from humidity you can keep your mold population down. Disinfectants like soap and bleach can also be used to wipe off any mold that starts to form and you can also use white vinegar if you don’t like to use harsh chemicals.  As the adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and doing what you can to prevent these black mold health problems is well worth the effort.

Mold Exposure

Prolonged exposure to mold can prove to be a serious health hazard to some people.  One person may not be affected at all, whereas another has difficulty breathing and functioning properly.  For those with damaged or inhibited immune systems, mold exposure can be life threatening.  Elderly people and infants are especially susceptible to the effects of mold.

What are some of the symptoms of mold exposure?  One symptom is an unexplained skin rash.  Another is red, irritated, and watery eyes.  Other symptoms that may indicate you’ve been exposed to mold for a period of time might include headaches, fatigue for a prolonged time, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms such as shortness of breath, or a bleeding nose.

There are severe health issues resulting from exposure to mold for a prolonged time.  Perhaps you work in an office, day care, church, or factory that has mold issues.  Over a period of time, your immune system can actually break down from the affects of mold in the body.  Some of the severe symptoms include:
·    Nausea
·    Diarrhea,
·    Ear infections
·    Frequent sinus infections or bronchitis
·    Hair loss
·    Coughing up a black substance or blood or both
·    Vomiting
·    Chronic fatigue
·    Difficulty breathing
·    Constant migraine headache
·    Open sores on areas of the skin
·    Sexual difficulties

If you suspect that you are suffering from exposure to mold, it’s important to track how you feel and where you are when you experience the symptoms.  It’s possible that your workplace, home, day care, or school is harboring mold and is not aware of the problem.  Let’s say the symptoms listed above are present only when you are at work and then dissipate when you return home.  Be sure to let your boss and your physician know where the symptoms are occurring the most.

If you discover that your home has mold issues, treat them as soon as possible.  In the event you find that your child’s school or day care has mold issues, notify them as soon as possible so the issues can be remedied.  Some parents may choose to pull their child from the affected environment until the mold has been removed.

Mold removal can prove to be a real challenge when it comes to commercial and residential structures.  However, there are steps that can be taken to make great strides toward making the building healthy and free of mold.  Don’t settle for less than the best efforts to make your child’s school or day care mold free.

Symptoms exhibited when someone has been exposed to mold can mimic other health problems.  Asthma-like symptoms can indicate both an asthma attack or an allergic reaction to mold.  That is why tracking where your symptoms occur can be very helpful.

Mold exposure is a very serious health hazard; so if you are experiencing several of these symptoms for no other apparent reason, don’t allow anyone to tell you you’re imagining things.  Make an appointment with your physician right away.  Some adults and even some children have died as a result of prolonged exposure to mold.  This possible health hazard needs to be handled with care and sobriety.  Make sure your physician or pediatrician understands your concerns.

Black Mold Symptoms

Black mold is an extremely toxic type of mold.  Black mold appears as a powdery or downy-like substance on everything from walls, food, carpeting, showers, wood, fabrics (including clothing), and baseboards, to name a few.  Black mold wreaks the worst havoc when it gets into the heating and air conditioning systems.  There are a variety of household mold symptoms that could appear from black mold if you have been exposed to this toxic type of fungi.

At first, symptoms indicating black mold poisoning can mimic flu or cold symptoms, such as a cough, red and watery eyes, and runny nose.  However, if left untreated, our bodies can absorb high levels of what are called mycotoxins, which are toxic to human beings and animals.  Molecular compounds called mycotoxins are sometimes produced by black mold.  If you are experiencing the following symptoms, black mold may be present in your home or workplace.

Black Mold Symptoms
·    Respiratory difficulties – hard to breathe, itchy nose, frequent drainage from the nose, asthma-like symptoms
·    Skin irritation – hives or rashes on the skin
·    Red eyes
·    Intense headaches for seemingly no reason
·    Consistent cough
·    Feelings of nausea and dizziness
·    Difficulty recalling details or general fogginess resulting in lack of concentration
·    Lethargic behavior
·    Blood pressure levels are irregular

Prolonged exposure to black mold has even been known to cause bleeding in the lungs, internal pain of the organs, urinary tract infections, and in some severe cases, infertility.  Research has shown that both elderly people and infants are especially sensitive to the presence of mold in a home.  It is vital that a physician checks you if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for no apparent reason.

A home that has mold and is primarily closed up can be an especially dangerous environment, causing black mold poisoning more quickly due to no fresh air entering the space.  Black mold can hide behind walls and not actually be seen for several months before it is discovered.  If you happen to notice stains on walls that appear in colors of yellow, black, green, or even brown, and the walls are damp, you may already have mold in the process of growing on or behind the walls.  Black mold could be a result of a water leak or consistently high levels of moisture in an area such as a basement, enclosed shower, or even an office.

Trust your nose!  If you seem to notice a musty or mildew smell in your home or office, mold may be in the early stages.  Keep your eyes open for more noticeable signs of the mold.  Look in corners of rooms, around the baseboards, and around ceiling areas for stains or what appears to be dirt (and may actually be mold).

Some people are very sensitive to mold and may experience respiratory problems before they ever see visible signs of mold.  If symptoms are experienced inside a house or office, but not outside of those areas, there may be mold present.  For some people, an allergic reaction to black mold can mimic asthma.

Black mold symptoms are an indication that you have black mold poisoning.  It is vital a physician examines you as soon as possible.  He will be able to determine if your household mold symptoms are a result of mold or something else in the environment.