Causally related mold illnesses range from common allergies to rare lung infections. While contact with black molds such as Stachybotrys has raised fears about toxic effects, a 2004 Institute of Medicine report denies a link with health symptoms such as bleeding lungs and memory loss.
That research does show that exposure to any type of indoor-growing mold can generate allergy-like symptoms in otherwise healthy adults and children. In people with underlying health conditions, inhaling mold spores can cause more serious diseases and life-threatening emergencies.
Allergic Rhinitis
The same inflammatory health symptoms can develop in individuals who are exposed to black mold whether or not they have true allergies. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that histamine-induced inflammation creates conditions of itching in the eyes and throat, excess mucus in the nasal and eye membranes, coughing and sneezing. People who have asthma may suffer chest pain and shortness of breath triggered by allergic reactions to mold. These patients must receive emergency asthma treatment to prevent respiratory system failure and death.
Allergic rhinitis and other mold illnesses generally arise shortly after breathing tainted air. Runny nose and nasal congestion may persist as long as air quality remains the same. Reducing the amount of airborne allergens will alleviate mold sensitivities, but patients with severe allergies may require an environmental move to improve their conditions.
Aspergillosis
Ingested black mold can invade lung or sinus tissue and cause fungal infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that individuals who have asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV, cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have increased risk for sinus and lung infections, termed aspergillosis.
Health symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and coughing up blood. As the Merck Medical Library explains, these problems develop when a ball of mold fibers, white blood cells and clotted blood forms, with potentially fatal consequences. Without treatment or removal, this infection can grow or spread to other organs and cause death.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
People who experience continual, high-level mold exposure can damage their lung tissue without fungal infection taking place. The constant inflammatory response to black mold creates hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The UM Medical Center lists health symptoms that include chills and fever as well as coughing and difficulty breathing.
This transitory condition can become permanent if left unidentified and untreated. Ongoing inflammation changes the texture of lung tissue, robbing it of its flexibility and rejuvenescent qualities. Patients may notice a decline in appetite and unexplained weight loss associated with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About Black Mold
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinitis
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Protect Yourself From Mold
- Merck Medical Library: Aspergillosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
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