Is It An Allergy or A Reaction To Mold

Many people suffer from mold exposure and believe their symptoms are just relayed to hay fever or a cold. The reason is that symptoms can be similar. There are three general types of mold symptoms: allergic or irritant, toxic, or infective.

When you breathe in mold spores, your immune system reacts by causing allergic symptoms. The reactions are the immune system's defense against foreign particles entering your body. The problem is that in many cases, the more you are exposed to mold, the more sensitive you become to it. Over time your reaction to exposure becomes more and more severe, often to the point that even a small amount of mold cannot be tolerated.

Allergic or Irritant Symptoms of Mold Exposure Include:

Cold or flu like symptoms                                                        Coughing
Sneezing                                                                                     Sore throat
Irritated, itchy throat                                                                Blocked nose
Itchy nose                                                                                   Runny nose
Sinus congestion                                                                       Sinus headaches
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath                              Wheezing
Irritated, itchy skin                                                                    Skin rash, hives
Watery eyes                                                                               Red, bloodshot eyes
Itchy eyes                                                                                   Itchy ears
Hair loss, baldness                                                                   Hay fever-like symptoms

Toxic Symptoms to Mold Exposure

There are approximately 16 molds that are toxic to humans. These molds release highly toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. These mycotoxins cause a much worse reaction than the allergic symptoms caused by common molds. These reactions can include:

Bleeding                                                                                  Damage to Internal Organs
Mental or Neurological Impairment                                   Skin Problems
Respiratory Or Circulatory Problems                                 Eye or Vision Symptoms
Reproductive Issues                                                              Immune System Problems
Tiredness and Discomfort                                                   Cancer
Death

Mold Infections

Sometimes mold spores that are breathed into human lungs can begin to grow. These spores can also grow in sinuses, on skin, and inside digestive tracts. Usually, mold infections don't occur in healthy people. Elderly individuals, people with immune system deficiencies, young children, and pregnant women are much more likely to be affected by mold infections. Molds that opportunistically infect people are:

Trichoderma
Penicillium Marneffei
Aspergillus Fumigatus

Physicians can help you determine whether you are being affected by simple allergies or you are having a reaction to mold exposure. There are physical examinations, skin tests, and blood tests that can be used to identify mold allergies and infections. Physicians will then able to suggest treatment options. 

If your symptoms ARE related to mold, Dragon Restoration can put our more than 35 years of experience in mold removal from homes and businesses in the Miami Valley and the surrounding area to work for you. Call us for a NO-COST - NO-OBLIGATION inspection today. (937) 371-3416