Mold and Asthma: What’s The Connection and How It Affects Your Health

Patients diagnosed with mold allergy and asthma are likely to develop symptoms when exposed to mold spores. Certain mold spores can trigger a severe asthma attack in such people, with symptoms including coughing, restricted breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, etc.

How does Mold affect Your Asthma?

People with asthma might have reduced lung function. If such a patient who also has mold allergies inhales the spores, it can wreak havoc to their immune system and cause an allergic reaction. The mold may tighten the airways, which become swollen, restricting airflow and triggering an asthma attack.

Can Mold Cause Breathing Problem?

If you have asthma and mold allergy, mold exposure can trigger severe breathing problems. The other problematic symptoms are:

• Fever, cough, and chills
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Wheezing

Related: Sore Throat vs Strep Throat: Can a Sore Throat Turn Into a Strep Throat Infection?

How Would You Know If Mold Is Making You Sick

There are hundreds of different types of molds that can make you sick. If you have symptoms like headaches, sore throat, runny nose, coughing, watery eyes, fatigue, and sneezing, you should consult a doctor, even if you don't have a history of asthma. Asthma patients can have severe attacks from mold.

What Are The Symptoms Of Mold In Your Lungs?

Mold in the lungs can result in a condition known as aspergillosis. Caused by a mold called Aspergillus Fumigatus, there are three types:

• Pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Pulmonary aspergillosis symptoms include:

• Fever
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Invasive aspergillosis may cause-

• Fever
• Breathing issues
• Chills
• Shock
• Kidney or Liver Failure

Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis symptoms are:

• Wheezing
• Fever
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Increased mucus or sputum

Mold Allergy Causes

Not all molds are dangerous. If a patient is allergic to one mold species, it does not mean they will be allergic to all. Some most common allergy-causing molds are Cladosporium, penicillium, aspergillus, and Alternaria. Risk factors for mold allergy include having a family history of allergies, working in a job that exposes you to mold, residing in a building with bad ventilation. etc

Complications Associated with Mold Sickness

The various complications that can arise from mold sickness are mold-induced asthma, allergic fungal sinusitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. These can be more severe than normal allergic reactions.

Related: What is the Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia?

How to Reduce Exposure to Mold

To reduce asthma and mold exposure, you may follow these tips:

• If you have plants at home, water them only when the soil is dry since moist soils are breeding grounds for molds.
• Keep bathrooms and basements uncarpeted, as molds thrive on rugs, especially in moist areas and darkness.
• Never clean a mold-grown carpet or upholstery by yourself. Take professional help instead.
• Clean and maintain ventilation in your house, especially exhaust fans that get easily heated.

Treating Mold Sickness

Mold Sickness, including allergies to black mold and asthma, can be treated with nasal sprays or rinses, medications, allergy shots, and montelukast. However, consult with a healthcare provider before opting for treatment for mold allergy. If you are experiencing symptoms linked to mold allergies, take medical help immediately. Contact us at MI Express care to help reduce the severity of mold and asthma dangers. Our medical team is well experienced in treating allergic reactions caused by mold.