Mold exposure can cause an allergic reaction, and affect your health in a number of ways. These microorganisms are an endless part of nature and for the most part, if a person with a strong immune system is exposed to these spores at low levels, they will be able to defend these foreign invaders and keep our bodies healthy.
There are some situations however where prolonged exposure to mold can lead to more severe symptoms.
Below is an infographic showing the 6 common symptoms of mold exposure and if you are suffering from one or more of these, for a prolonged period of time, we suggest you seek medical advice from a professional.
1) Runny Nose & Congestion
A lot of chronic sinus infections are due to mold exposure. If you suffer from mold allergies, it is best to stay away from dense vegetation and decomposing plant matter. To keep your indoor areas free of mold spores, consider using a dehumidifier and a HEPA filter to keep moisture in check and purify the air.
2) Eye Irritation
Exposure to mold can yield symptoms similar to that of an allergic reaction, such as itchy eyes, redness of eyes, and watering eyes. However, a number of more serious infections can occur if left unchecked. Conjunctivitis, keratitis, and endophthalmitis are all inflammations of the eye that can occur because of mold.
3) Sneezing
It is common to mistake your mold allergies for a cold or sinus infection since the symptoms are similar. Because indoor mold is not always visible and can cause allergy symptoms year-round, it is important to find the root cause of your sneezing. One way to do so would be to test the air in your home for airborne mold spores.
4) Coughing
Coughing is a defense mechanism that rids the body of particulates that don’t belong. Chronic coughs that last more than three weeks are often an indicator of mold exposure. This is typically coupled with shortness of breath, wheezing, and headaches.
5) Sore Throat
Many people are allergic to mold and when it enters the body the natural immune response is to mount a defense against the pathogen and fight back. Sometimes, the defense triggers an inflammatory response, causing swelling in the throat, airways, and lungs. The inflammation can often cause pain or discomfort.
6) Skin Rash
Rashes that occur from mold are often hard to distinguish just by looking at them. A common symptom of a skin rash that occurs from mold includes:
- itchiness,
- dry and scaly skin,
- raw, or sensitive skin,
- brown or pink skin, and
- small raised bumps that may leak fluid.
Think You Have Mold?
Contact the mold remediation experts at Mold Zero LLC. We use a patented dry-frog mold removal process that penetrates deep into all nooks and crannies and requires little to zero demolition. The best part is you may return to your home that same evening. Contact us to get started with a free inspection.
