A variety of symptoms can manifest when the person you know is affected by mold. While they’re evident, they are often overlooked as they’re very similar to health issues that aren’t as serious as the typical flu or cold. Naturally, any repeated health condition is usually an indication of a bigger problem; in this case, it could mean a mold is present in your home.
Mold Exposure Symptoms
The mold-related health issues can be classified into four groups: allergic reactions, irritations, infections, and toxic effects. The evidence suggests that mold poisoning could be caused by eating food contaminated by mold. Yet, many aren’t sure about the issue. Now, let’s examine some of the most frequently reported mold signs that indicate mold exposure as well as a damp atmosphere:
1. Allergic Reactions
The effects of mold exposure can trigger various symptoms, such as allergic reactions. This type of condition can be experienced by those affected by mold in any way.
Ingestion of mold spores or inhaled. They can also be the touch. One or more exposure to allergens could cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Mold exposure can cause people who don’t usually have any sensitivities to become more sensitive, and repeated exposure can make people more prone.
A typical person with a mold allergy’s mold allergy symptoms can include the following symptoms:
- Headache
- An irritable or runny nose
- A sudden feeling of congestion
- Red, watery eyes, or itchy eyes
- Skin rashes
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
Some of the mold symptoms, including breathlessness, can be similar to hay fever symptoms for people suffering from extreme allergies.
Significant mold levels are more likely to trigger severe allergic reactions for employees in locations where mold is a concern, such as farming facilities and retailers.
2. Asthma Attacks
When there is a presence of mold within an individual’s home, it may aggravate an asthma attack or increase the likelihood of developing an asthma flare. Molds can trigger extreme allergic reactions for those suffering from asthma.
Even in children who aren’t genetically predisposed to asthma, the beginning of mold exposure increases the likelihood of developing asthma.
3. Irritating Substances
The presence of mold, mold spores and mold fragments can cause irritation to the nose, eyes or throat, and the lungs when inhaled. Sometimes, mold can cause unpleasant skin problems like rashes from mold exposure. This is why you could suffer from:
- Nasal irritation
- Skin burning
4. Other Health Problems
Upper Respiratory Tract Symptoms
- The Institute of Medicine concludes that there is conclusive evidence to connect mold exposure to symptoms of the upper respiratory tract like wheezing and coughing.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- A long-term mold exposure could increase the risk of developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis in those already in danger of developing this immune-mediated illness. Contrary to bacterial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be found in a limited number of individuals.
Opportunistic Infections
- When your immune system is weak, breathing in mold spores could lead to various other illnesses that are harder to manage.
What should you do when you see mold signs?
The best rule of thumb is to be attentive to your body’s signals. A musty smell and at least one or more mold symptoms are a clear indication of the presence of mold within your home. One of the do-it-yourself mold removal techniques is generally possible if the contamination is just a minor area.
Mold remediation professionals can evaluate your home thoroughly and provide the most efficient action plan if you find mold thriving in your home or suffer from any mold symptoms. To find the best company, search for “restoration companies near me” for the best results.
Your health is impacted by mold, and medical treatment does not help. When this happens, then it could be necessary to seek mold remediation. A mold inspection by a certified mold inspector can be beneficial.