Which molds make you sick

According to the Institute of Medicine IOM , both mold and damp indoor environments have been found to cause coughing, wheezing and other respiratory tract symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. Those with asthma may experience more severe asthma symptoms when exposed to mold or indoor dampness, including tightness, swelling and mucus in the airways.

The CDC also notes that workplace exposure to mold in damp buildings has been associated with new-onset asthma. Fungal infections caused by mold exposure are rare, and usually only happen in those with compromised immune systems.

For example, Aspergillus mold is relatively widespread, and most people breathe it daily without any adverse effects. However, Aspergillus exposure can cause those with severely weakened immune systems to develop an infection called aspergillosis. Types of aspergillosis include :. Exposure to black mold can lead to a type of toxicosis that is often referred to as black mold poisoning. Black mold releases mycotoxins as a sort of defense mechanism when the growth is disturbed.

These mycotoxins travel through the air on mold spores and are small enough to be easily inhaled. The class of toxin produced by black mold, trichothecenes, has been proven to be detrimental to humans, according to Dr. Lauren Tessier, a naturopathic physician practicing in Vermont and New York. Though exposure to mycotoxins can sometimes cause the allergic symptoms listed above, it may also present in non-allergic symptoms, including:.

Note: Much of the information available on mold-related toxicoses comes from the functional medicine domain, which is a type of alternative medicine. This branch of medicine uses some diagnoses—such as chronic inflammatory response syndrome CIRS —that have not been accepted by the traditional medical community.

Mold exposure symptoms with no identifiable cause are often attributed to conditions such as sick building syndrome or dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome. Though the medical community does not widely accept these diagnoses, many people turn to them when they can find no other explanation for their symptoms. Sick building syndrome SBS is associated with exposure to a specific building, usually an office building. There is no way to identify the source of SBS symptoms positively.

However, they are generally attributed to air quality issues, such as volatile organic compounds VOCs , carbon monoxide CO and mold. SBS symptoms vary widely and can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory irritation and chest pains.

Dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome DMHS typically begins with eye, nose and respiratory tract irritation, but can lead to other symptoms, such as sinusitis, headaches, fatigue and fibromyalgia. However, more research is needed to make any firm conclusions about DMHS. The best way to avoid mold in the home or workplace is to prevent its growth altogether. Because mold thrives in damp, warm environments, you can try:.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know if mold is causing your symptoms. Many side effects of mold exposure are similar to other conditions, like seasonal allergies. Some symptoms also take time to appear. They can help you find relief. The length of time it takes for mold to leave your body will depend on your level of previous exposure. In addition to reducing mold exposure, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter OTC allergy medicine. If your symptoms are mild, you might be able to take the medication whenever your symptoms are bothersome.

But if you have moderate or severe symptoms, you might need to take them daily. Your doctor might also suggest prescription allergy medicine. The following are tell-tale signs of a mold problem in the home :. A water damage restoration service can provide professional mold cleaning. The length of time it takes for mold to cause symptoms varies greatly. The side effects can be immediate, delayed, or nonexistent. It depends on your environment and level of mold sensitivity. Other factors to consider include the duration of exposure and the amount of mold.

Direct contact with mold can also cause more severe symptoms. The best way to minimize mold symptoms is to reduce your exposure. If your symptoms persist, see a doctor. Many wonder can mold cause cancer? According to the CDC, there is no evidence that mold causes lung cancer or any other type of cancer.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in moist areas and can trigger allergic reactions. Mold allergies are generally not life threatening. Gentian violet for thrush is an old remedy gaining new popularity, but there are potential dangers as well.

Learn about it here. Oral thrush, or oral candidiasis, is a yeast infection of the mouth. Oral thrush is usually treated with antifungal medications, but home remedies can….

Health experts are expressing concerns over the spread of the drug-resistant Candida auris fungus in some hospital and healthcare facilities. It can turn prized possessions into musty relics that only look fit for the garbage. Molds are a form of fungus. There are many different types, and they can occur both indoors and outdoors. Molds produce spores, which spread by floating around in the air. Mold spores are present in all indoor environments.

There is no way to prevent spores, and they can persist in conditions where mold itself cannot grow. Mold spores thrive in environments that are moist and warm, so when they land on a damp spot, they begin to grow.

Molds can grow on a variety of different surfaces, including fabric, paper, wood, glass, and plastic. As they grow, they may digest the material they are growing on. Nobody knows how many kinds of mold there are, but experts estimate that there may be , or more different types. Some are more likely than others to appear in the home. Alternaria : This occurs in damp places indoors, such as showers or under leaky sinks.

Aspergillus : This often grows indoors, on dust, powdery food items, and building materials, such as drywall. Cladosporium : This can grow in either cool or warm areas. It tends to appear on fabrics and wood surfaces.

Penicillium : This tends to grow on materials with water damage. It often has a blue or green appearance. Molds take a variety of forms and textures. They can be white, black, yellow, blue, or green and often look like discoloration or stain to a surface. They can also have a velvety, fuzzy, or rough appearance, depending on the type of mold and where it is growing.

Mold spores are everywhere, both indoors and outdoors, but they are not visible to the naked eye. Through the air : They can enter through open windows, doorways, and ventilation systems. Mold will only flourish if spores land somewhere that has the ideal conditions for growing, such as moisture and a supply of suitable nutrients. If the environment is unsuitable for the spores, they do not usually develop or cause a problem.

Mold growth is usually visible and often produces a musty odor. It can damage household items, and it can also have an impact on health. Mold can pose a health problem , especially for people with an allergy, an existing respiratory problem, or a weakened immune system. As mold grows, spores, cells, fragments, and unstable organic compounds can enter the air. They can produce allergens, irritants, and mycotoxins. Some of these can be toxic, especially to individuals who have a sensitivity to them.

Also, dampness encourages materials to break down, increasing the volume of particles, or dust, in the air. These particles can irritate the lungs, nose, and throat, especially in a person who already has a breathing problem, asthma , or a chronic lung condition.