Illness due to mold? How to identify a mold allergy..
Let’s address the question in the headline “Illness due to mold?” straight away. Yes! Mold can cause illnesses; at least under certain circumstances and if the person has a particular sensitivity. This can be a mold allergy or other medical conditions which can be attributed to mildew.
Illness due to mold does not always have to be a mold allergy. Some types of mold release a toxin which leads to irritation to the mucosa in some people, who have a close and intensive contact with the mold toxin. In order to find out whether the air is polluted with these substances, you can order a specialist company to conduct specific tests which will respond to these toxins.
However, in most cases “Illness due to mold” means being allergic to mold spores in the air. The symptoms for a mold allergy can be plentiful and unspecific. Mold allergy symptoms can show as a runny nose, tickly cough as well as urticaria, headaches and worst case can cause asthma. Due to these unspecific symptoms, a mold allergy can remain undetected for a long time and be discounted as hay fever. Should you suspect a mold allergy you should monitor where, and under which circumstances the symptoms show? Ask yourself questions like: “Do the symptoms occur during the day or during the night?” “Is it worse if I am in a particular room?” “During which season do the symptoms occur?”
Even if there is a legitimate suspicion for a mold allergy, it is recommended to have the air tested in order to make sure that the illness or allergy is not imagined. Should it be confirmed that there are higher levels of mold spores in your home, you should speak to your GP and ask for a referral to a specialist. The specialist can do a test to find out if and against which types of mold you are allergic.
In any case, make sure that you avoid excessive contact with mildew. You should not keep kitchen waste in the flat and not use air humidifiers or similar, and do not use or store materials which promote the development of mold in the house. Please note that plants can be a good breeding ground for mold, too.
“Illness due to mold” does not have to be! An appropriate treatment and a cautious way of living is a good way to confront a mold allergy today.
