People who have mold sensitivities or allergies may experience health symptoms before seeing signs of black mold. The physical structures of Stachybotrys chartarum and other black-appearing fungi cannot be seen by the human eye until they form colonies of substantial size.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a distinctive moldy smell can tell patients that environmental molds are present indoors. Alternatively, sudden itching or respiratory problems may be the first indications of unhealthy mold exposure.
Conjunctivitis
A set of eye health symptoms termed conjunctivitis may arise first during an allergic reaction to airborne black mold spores. The immune system's release of histamines in response to the allergen affects the eyes with itching and an accumulation of fluid in the mucous membranes, or conjunctiva.
MayoClinic.com reports that eyes may burn, redden and fill with tears following mold exposure. Excess fluid may form crusts around the eyes. Treating these early signs of conjuctivitis will prevent inflammation of the cornea, which restricts vision.
Dermatitis
In people who have mold sensitivities, touching black mold growths can cause skin irritation, the CDC reports. Patients can recognize allergic contact dermatitis by itching, redness and dry skin in areas that come in contact with mold.
These health symptoms may take up to 48 hours to develop, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They may progress to hives, or raised bumps or blisters may form.
Rhinitis
The body may react gradually or violently during the early stages of mold exposure. As fluid accumulates in the nasal passages, a runny nose develops to drain the excess. As the body attempts to expel allergenic mold spores, forceful coughing or sneezing may occur.
The UM Medical Center adds to these symptoms nasal congestion, headaches and facial pain brought on by sinus inflammation. Some patients may contract only these upper respiratory problems from inhaling black mold spores. Treating these early signs of mold allergies and improving indoor air quality can help patients avoid more serious lung diseases. The CDC notes that long-term mold exposure can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which permanently damages lung tissue.
Asthma
The CDC also reports that contact with mold can increase breathing problems in adults and children who have asthma. Asthma health symptoms may come on suddenly or be triggered by allergic rhinitis effects.
Asthma attacks restrict the airways and provoke coughing and wheezing, the UM Medical Center relates. Patients who experience shortness of breath must treat themselves with a rescue inhaler to avoid respiratory failure.
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