Black mold affects some people who inhale the reproductive spores that travel on air currents in indoor environments. Black-appearing molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Alternaria grow in humid areas of buildings and cause periodic side effects during their reproductive cycles. Air quality with consistently high levels of mold can induce continual respiratory symptoms. This can create long-term health problems in people with mold allergies, if left unchecked.
Identification
Any molds, including black molds, can pose health risks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Areas that smell moldy or sustain visible colonies or mold should be cleaned. Patients can determine whether visible molds are causing their side effects by having the area cleaned and seeing if symptoms abate.
Features
Mold exposure can cause allergy side effects, asthma attacks and lung infections, depending on a person's health condition. People with mold allergies will experience nasal symptoms when they inhale certain levels of airborne black mold, the CDC reports. Individuals who also have asthma or obstructive lung diseases may have breathing trouble. Previous lung problems or immune system conditions may invite internal fungal infection.
Effects
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, side effects of allergic reactions to mold include stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, coughing and itching of the eyes and throat. Mold allergies that trigger asthma attacks can restrict the airways to critical degrees, requiring rescue medication. Some asthma episodes cause only wheezing and chest tightness. Opportunistic infection, or aspergillosis, from inhaled mold spores harms lung tissue and causes bleeding. The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that this condition can heal on its own but sometimes requires surgical removal of fungal matter and blood clots.
Misconceptions
Although some black molds produce mycotoxins, these have no proven health effects on humans, the CDC reports. All molds can cause a wide range of symptoms and lung damage. S. chartarum may be perceived as toxic due to the unhealthy environment in which it tends to grow, which may foster bacterial or other illnesses.
Solution
Doctors first recommend reducing mold exposure and then treating the symptoms. Patients may wish to secure help in washing hard surfaces clean of visible molds and removing porous items that are infested with mold. The CDC notes that rugs, furniture and building materials may not be able to be cleaned and must be removed. Allergy and asthma symptoms can be controlled with antihistamines and corticosteroid medications, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Homes or workplaces that cannot be cleared of mold should be vacated by people with mold allergies or underlying lung diseases.
Member Comments