Mold is a type of fungus that releases spores into the air and grows everywhere. Mold can cause respiratory problems, or problems in the lungs, when spores are breathed in. Molds grow best in a moist atmosphere with warm temperatures and decreased air circulation. Dormant mold spores are everywhere, according to the University of Delaware, so controlling mold growth is essential to avoiding lung problems caused by mold.
Allergies
According to the Mayo Clinic, allergies to mold cause the same type of respiratory symptoms common to other allergies, including runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, watering eyes, sinus infection, cough, postnasal drip and itchy nose, throat and eyes. Mold allergy is more common if the humidity in the house is over 50 percent, if the house has poor ventilation, or if moisture is a problem in the house. People who work in occupations that expose them to mold are also more likely to develop allergies. An allergic reaction to a specific mold, aspergillus, occurs most often in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis, another chronic lung disease, Medline Plus states. Symptoms of pulmonary aspergillosis include fever, cough, wheezing and worsening asthma symptoms in people who also have asthma.
Asthma
Asthma is a lung inflammation that causes the air passages to constrict and swell. Symptoms of asthma include a feeling of tightness in the chest, difficulty getting enough air, cough and wheezing. Asthma can be life threatening if the lungs can't get enough air. Symptoms of severe oxygen deprivation include a bluish tinge to the skin, especially the face and around the mouth, a fast heartbeat, anxiety and nasal flaring. Asthma sufferers require medications to reduce inflammation in the lungs and to open the airways.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitits
Hypersensitivity penumonitis, originally called Farmer's Lung because it affected farmers working with damp hay, can be caused by damp environments that facilitate mold growth. It also occurs in people who work with cheese, mushrooms, bird droppings and in forced air environments, according to Aerias, a site offering information on air quality issues. Symptoms are similar to pneumonia and include fever, chest pain and cough.
