Mold Symptoms may mask as seasonal allergies



0625527001626802884.jpgDo you have mold in your house? 

If so, y­­ou may be experiencing symptoms and not understand why or where they have come from

When mold is present in your home, your immune system ­may overreact spores are inhaled. Coughing, itchy eyes and other symptoms may start to happen. In some cases, mold can lead to asthma, labored breathing and other lung problems.

Getting this mold out of your house is very important for you and your loved ones.  Long term exposure can become chronic and lead to severe bodily issues.

So what are the symptoms of mold exposure?

Symptoms are very similar to other types of upper respiratory issues. Here are some common problems associated with mold exposure:

1. Sneezing

2. Runny, stuffy nose, post nasal drip or sinus pressure

3. Cough

4. Itchy eyes, nose and throat

5. Watery eyes

6. Dry, scaly skin

Just like each of us is different, symptoms vary from person to person. One person may have minimal reactions to exposure while others may be highly affected.

How bad is mold exposure if I already have asthma or allergies?

If you have allergies or asthma before breathing in mold, it may enhance your symptoms. You may even have more attacks or they may become more severe. If an attack occurs, here is what you may experience:

1. Coughing

2. Wheezing

3. Shortness of breath

4. Chest tightness

So when do you see a doctor regarding this exposure?

Well, if you experience a stuffy nose, sneeze, have watery eyes, shortness of breath, wheeze or other symptoms that persist, contact your doctor to get an exam.

Why does mold affect our health?

Symptoms from mold are triggered by an enhanced or sensitive immune system response. Inhaling tiny, airborne mold spores, are recognized by your immune system as an antigen or threat. Now, as a response, your immune system does what it does best and starts fighting!  After inhaling, you may get an immediate reaction or it can be delayed so it is always a good idea to make sure there is no mold in your home. 

So who is more at risk for mold allergies and reactions?

1. Family history of allergies.

2. Working in an occupation that exposes you to mold. Farming, dairy work, logging, baking, millwork, carpentry, greenhouse work, winemaking, furniture repair. Basically, working in environments with dust, dampness or anywhere mold or allergens can grow.

3. Living in a house with high humidity. Having indoor humidity higher than 50% can increase mold in your home.

4. Mold can grow virtually anywhere if the conditions are right. Basements, damp surfaces, carpets can all have mold.

5. Mold-induced asthma. In people allergic to mold, breathing in spores can trigger an asthma flare-up. If you have a mold allergy and asthma, be sure that you have an emergency plan in case of a severe asthma attack.

6. Allergic fungal sinusitis. This results from an inflammatory reaction to fungus in the sinuses.

7. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This reaction to fungus in the lungs can occur in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis.

8. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. This rare condition occurs when exposure to airborne particles such as mold spores causes lung inflammation. It can be triggered by exposure to allergy-causing dust at work.

How do I get rid of mold in my house?

The best way is to eliminate sources of dampness in your house. For instance, pipe leaks or groundwater seepage.

- Use a dehumidifier in any area of your home that smells musty or damp. Keep your humidity levels below 50%. Remember to clean the collection bucket and condensation coils regularly.

- Use an air conditioner and consider installing central air conditioning with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter attachment. The HEPA filter can trap mold spores from outdoor air before they're circulated inside your home.

- Change filters on your furnace and air conditioners regularly. Have forced air heating ducts inspected and, if necessary, cleaned.

- Be sure all bathrooms are properly ventilated, and run the ventilation fan during a shower or bath and immediately after to dry the air. If you don't have a ventilation fan, open a window or door while you're showering or bathing.

- Don't carpet bathrooms and basements where mold is most common.

- Promote groundwater drainage away from your house by removing leaves and vegetation from around the foundation and cleaning out rain gutters frequently.

- Keep organic plant containers clean and dry, such as those made of straw, wicker or hemp.

- Toss or recycle old books and newspapers. If left in damp places, such as basements, they can quickly become moldy.

There are many times that seasonal allergies that you think you have are actually caused by mold. There are many kits you can purchase online to check mold levels in your home. If you think you were exposed, you may want to purchase one and put it in an area that is damp or you think may have spores.

References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mold-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351519


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Hours in the mission district, San Francisco

Monday
8-12pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
3-6PM
Thursday
8-12PM
Friday
3-8PM
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday
Closed