Is Mold Making You Sick? Probably.
According to some, "Mold Exposure is perhaps the single most misdiagnosed illness in the United States." Prolonged exposure to mold can stimulate allergic like reactions in people as well as cause an assortment of illness symptoms. It appears that people with better immunity will be able to tolerate the ill effects of mold; however, people who are under stress, have weakened immunities, are allergic to mold or are seniors are at greater risk to develop illnesses related to mold mycotoxins in their homes. Also, mold can make pets sick as well!
The mold famous for producing negative symptoms is Stachybotrys also known as Black Mold. However, other forms of mold that may be in your house such as Aspergillus can also lead to causing symptoms. The website for the Center of Disease Prevention has an excellent database of common molds and diseases caused by exposure to them.
For a general list, here are some signs of mold induced sickness:
Headaches
Most often, you wake up with them. In fact, you may be woken up from sleep with a headache. If you suddenly notice and onset of headaches and you typically do not get them, you may want to consider a hidden source of mold.
For example, in one case on Mold Damage Tarpon Springs, the couple had moved into a condo six months prior to discovering that there was black mold growing on the drywall behind their bed. No wonder the woman continuously woke up with severe headaches.
Often, mold induced headaches will go away within hours of the person leaving the contaminated area. Unfortunately for some, they linger a bit due to mold induced sinusitis.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the most common health care complaint and affects 37 million people in USA (about 1 out of every 7 Americans). According to a Mayo Clinic study, mold is a known allergen that many people are likely sensitive to. In addition, the study shows that mold in the air and in the nose is directly linked to sinus inflammation. The Mayo Clinic study proved that 93% of all chronic sinusitis studied was caused by mold.
Allergy Like Symptoms
Mold can induce allergy-type symptoms in people. From sneezing to itchy and watery eyes, mold can trick people into believing they are allergic to something and in fact, they most often are...allergic to mold.
Other Symptoms:
Nose Bleeds
Constant Fatigue
Breathing Disorders
Coughing up Blood or Black looking Debris
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting, Loss of Appetite
Weight Loss
Hair loss
Skin Rashes
Open Sores on the Skin
Memory Loss - Short and Long term
Sexual Dysfunction
Swollen Glands in the Neck Area and under the Armpit
Asthma or Breathing Disorders
Ear Infections, Chronic Sinus Infections, Chronic Bronchitis
Current Thinking on Unexplained Diseases:
Currently, there is some theory that supports that Fibromyalgia, sudden onset of Asthma or Emphysema, Chronic Lung and Sinus infections as well as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are actually caused by mold exposure. To read more about these theories, please visit: http://www.biosignlabs.com/Symptoms_Mold_Sickness.html
If you are worried about having illness due to mold exposure, see your doctor. You may need to get a blood test or even have your mucus tested. While some symptoms disappear with mold removal, others may need anti-fungal medication or other forms of medical attention. If you believe you have been exposed to mold, it is a good idea to take notes and talk to your doctor about where you might have been exposed along with the types of symptoms you are experiencing along with their duration.
But how could mold be causing your problems? There isn't any visible evidence of mold in your home! Unfortunately, it is a misnomer that mold can be seen. Too often, mold is hiding where you would least expect it. Like in the case mentioned earlier in this article, mold was lurking behind the bed frame. Mold will also grow undetected under carpet, behind baseboards, under wood flooring, in ducts and so on. If your property has ever been a victim of water damage including a flood, hurricane or even a water spill, you could have mold and not even know it. In one case of Mold Damage Spring Hill, there was a leak in the shower pan that would allow water to leak slowly under the wall and into the bedroom - under the carpet. It wasn't until a large black formation formed on the carpet that the homeowners became concerned. All the while, they had suffered with allergy symptoms, sinus headaches and poor sleep.
Mold damage is serious. If any water damage has occurred, mold spores can begin to grow into mold within 24-48 hours. If you believe that you might have a mold problem, contact a certified mold removal specialist and talk to your doctor about any health concerns you may have.
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