Mold is a naturally occurring fungal growth that thrives in dark, damp, and humid environments. They can grow on walls, ceiling tiles, wood products, leaking pipes, drywall, fabric & upholstery, carpets, and any other space where moisture resides for prolonged periods of time.
Though mold spores affect each person differently, people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to injuries caused by mold toxicity. These people exhibit a variety of health problems when exposed to a mold-infested environment which may lead to various upper respiratory tract infections.
Mold injuries share the same symptoms as most regular upper respiratory tract infections. These symptoms may include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Postnasal Drip
- Itchy & Watery Eyes
- Dry, Scaly Skin
- Fever
So How Do You Know If You’re Specifically Suffering from a Mold Injury?
Irrespective of how clean your house is, mold can still grow in areas where there is poor ventilation or in dark and damp spaces. Since many building materials, including cardboard, ceiling tiles, wood, and wood products, provide ideal conditions that encourage mold growth, be sure to check if you have mold spores growing in the interior or exterior of your home.
If you find mold spores, you can be certain that they are the reason for one or several of your respiratory health problems. This is why you need to have them removed as soon as you notice the first trace of mold.
Routinely inspect susceptible areas like the bathroom, roof, crawl spaces, etc. Have your home professionally cleaned after any extensive water damage to prevent mold growth. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
The symptoms of mold injury may not be apparent immediately, but they can be hazardous to your health in the long run. At times, mold injury can be more fatal than and even exacerbate the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses. This is why it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you’re suffering from a mold injury. Doctors typically take blood samples to analyze your immune system’s response to mold.
Asthma
Mold can be more harmful to people with asthma as mold allergy is known to increase your chances of a severe asthma attack.
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis
Patients allergic to mold may also suffer from fungal sinusitis, where the sticky mucus and fungal debris can block the infected sinus. This can further result in chronic sinusitis and even affect your sense of smell.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
This allergic response to mold spores affects the lungs, resulting in asthma or cystic fibrosis.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
In this rare but potentially fatal condition, the patient is exposed to airborne mold spores that can cause lung inflammation.
Who Is More Prone to Mold Injury?
Some people are more sensitive to mold spores than others. They include:
- Children
- Elderly people
- Asthma Patients
- Immunocompromised Patients
- People with Seasonal Allergies or Allergic Rhinitis
- Patients with Lung or Other Chronic Respiratory Diseases
- HIV/AIDS Patients
Only certain kinds of mold, like Stachybotrys chartarum, cause severe allergies. Also known as “toxic mold,” the chemicals found in its spores can cause pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. It is usually black or greenish in color.
If you require legal assistance in addressing toxic mold in your home or apartment in Riverview, Florida, contact the experienced toxic mold lawyers at Calandro Law. You can reach us at (813) 563-6463 or use our online form to request a free legal consultation today. Proving that toxic mold is actually the root cause of your health problems can be difficult. So, it’s important to let a qualified doctor diagnose you even before you contact us.