Feeling sick and wondering if they are symptoms of mold exposure? Mold can be toxic to your health and its effects are often mistaken for the common cold or seasonal allergies. This article will explain what to watch out for and what you can do to prevent mold exposure from happening to you.

Some molds are harmful to health. Inhaling, eating, or accidentally exposing yourself through skin contact can cause health problems ranging from mild to severe. The symptoms of mold exposure are not the same for everyone, so it can be difficult to diagnose. This is because different people have different levels of immunity. People allergic to mold are the most affected. Asthma and asthma attacks are often triggered by exposure to mold.

Most Americans with chronic sinusitis can thank the mold spores they inhale. However, it is not only people with asthma and those who are allergic that are affected. Healthy people can also get sick when exposed to mold spores. Most alarming is the fact that your ability to fight disease is significantly compromised when you are constantly exposed to mold. Molds produce toxic chemicals called mycotoxins that trigger health problems even in people who do not have allergic conditions. With all of that said, preventing mold exposure is key to a healthy lifestyle. Cleaning mold in your home should be the top priority because that is where you spend most of your time.

Symptoms of mold exposure include allergic reactions, skin irritation, infections, and toxic effects caused by mycotoxins. When people are allergic to mold, they usually have shortness of breath or shortness of breath. Symptoms of mold exposure in people with lung problems include fever, infections, cough, and other manifestations similar to pneumonia. Mold allergies can develop over time in people who have no previous sensitivity to mold. You may develop headaches, fatigue, a rash, or skin irritation. Rhinitis, better known as hay fever, is a group of respiratory symptoms consisting of a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and red eyes. Diseases that take advantage of a person’s poor immune system are called opportunistic infections. For example, a person with AIDS has a weaker immune system and opportunistic infections caused by exposure to mold can be deadly for these people. Healthy people can develop athlete’s foot or fungal infections that can also be caused by molds.

If you think you may be experiencing mold-induced symptoms, what can you do? The best solution is to get a checkup and inform your doctor about the possibility of mold exposure. The next step is to get rid of molds in your home. You will probably need professional help if the area to be treated exceeds two feet. Molds thrive in humid locations, so repair leaks as soon as they occur. Make sure you have adequate ventilation in damp areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements. Removing or cleaning mold is pointless if you don’t get to the root of the problem. Always treat the cause first and then work to eliminate mold for good.

There are some companies that test homes for mold. However, the Center for Disease Control does not recommend routine testing. Individual susceptibility varies, making the tests unreliable. The government has not established an acceptable number of molds, so there is no standard to follow. Also, mold testing can be very expensive. The tests can tell you if you have mold spores in your home, but they cannot determine if your home has a toxic level. However, you should do a visual inspection of the home annually. If you see mold, find and fix the source of the problem. Clean the mold carefully, protecting your respiratory system and your skin from contact. Let the area dry completely and recheck frequently to make sure the mold has not returned.

Mold exposure treatments will be of little value unless you address the cause of the problem. This includes getting rid of mold in areas where you spend your time, such as your home, car, and workplace. For some people, getting rid of the source is sufficient treatment for mold-induced allergies. There are ways to minimize exposure to mold. An air dehumidifier helps prevent moisture build-up during humid months. Also, avoid using rugs in places where moisture can build up over time, such as basements and bathrooms. Use fans to maintain good ventilation.

Molds can thrive both indoors and outdoors. It is when the right combination of humidity, moderate temperature, and adequate light is achieved that these mold spores flourish, thrive, and grow. Allergic reactions can sometimes be life threatening. Respiratory infections caused by mold are fungal infections and are often the most difficult to cure. Regularly check your home, car, and workplace for mold. Early detection is the best for your health and well-being. Symptoms of mold exposure should not be taken lightly.