How can Allergies to Mold Hurt You?
Mold allergies are serious and should not be taken lightly. If mold allergies occur, they could be the result of an allergy to mold spores or a sensitivity to mold compounds. They can manifest as a simple throat irritation or more serious, life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest and sinus infections, or lung inflammation. In some cases, mold allergies can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and even death.
Mold grows anywhere there is high humidity or moisture levels. It thrives in poorly ventilated areas like shower rooms, kitchens, attics, basements, crawlspaces and toilets inside the home. Mold is also commonly found in the workplace and in the building materials used for walls and ceilings. It can grow on most surfaces, including wood, metal and carpet. It thrives in places where moisture accumulates, such as around sinks, in basements and in the storage areas of the home.
Symptoms of Mold Allergies
People with mold allergies may experience shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest pains. Other symptoms may include a stuffy or runny nose, itching, rashes and hives, nausea, swallowing issues, vomiting and weight loss. Children with mold allergies may develop a rash and droopy eyelids and lips, shortness of breath, itching or rashes on the skin and lips, and headaches. Some children may suffer from more serious health problems, such as asthma and respiratory distress.
Mold allergies can result from mold exposure. When mold grows in an area that is normally dry, the mold growth will spread quickly to other parts of the house. The mold spores then begin to cause an array of health problems, some of which are mild, moderate and severe. Mild symptoms may include runny nose, sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. These symptoms can be quickly resolved when the humidity levels in the affected area are reduced.
Mild mold allergies often do not cause any medical issues. If the mold is not treated, these people will experience asthmatic reactions instead. Asthma attacks can include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. More serious asthmatic reactions may include rasping of the chest, tightness in the chest, swelling of the throat, lips and tongue, dizziness feelings, chest pain, tightness in the chest, and even death.
Allergies in Children
Children with mold allergies are at an especially high risk for asthma attacks because they typically lack certain important body nutrients that promote healthy lungs. Children with asthma have weaker immune systems than other children and are also more likely to suffer from respiratory issues, such as bronchitis, dust in the house, and mold spores. Bronchitis causes coughing fits and is caused by inflammation of the airways. Dust and mold spores are inhaled and can cause these issues to worsen, which can make asthma attacks worse.
Children with mold allergies have weaker immune systems and this can lead to other health problems. One of these issues can include chronic colds that do not respond to traditional treatment methods. Children who are very sensitive to mold may develop a chronic cough that can lead to wheezing. Chronic sinus infections and asthma attacks can also occur. A weak immune system makes it easier for the body to succumb to infection and illness.
Mold allergies are serious and must be addressed by a doctor immediately. Mold spores have been linked to health problems including depression, respiratory issues, food allergies, asthmatic reactions, and cancer. Long term exposure to mold can be damaging to the digestive system and the respiratory system. If mold exposure is detected, a mold remediation company should be contacted right away. They have all of the necessary equipment to safely remove mold and restore the home to its mold-free status.
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