Mold growth is such a serious issue because it can cause major health problems. Symptoms of mold exposure vary from mild to serious, so it’s important to recognize the source, seek treatment, and most importantly, remove the mold causing the illness in the first place. Here is a look at the different diseases linked with mold and some symptoms you can look out for.
Mold Allergy
Just like pollen, animal dander, and other airborne allergens, people can be allergic to mold as well. Mold allergies can result in symptoms similar to those of seasonal allergies or hay fever. These symptoms may include coughing or wheezing and eye, nose, or throat irritation. Now, these symptoms of mold allergies don’t automatically mean that you have mold in your home, as they are similar to other allergies. Mold allergies can even flare up when the weather results in a damp environment, so they are not always a direct sign of mold growth.
Asthma
Mold can also cause asthma flare-ups in people with mold allergies. The combination of asthma and mold allergies can lead to a severe attack in places with high concentrations of mold, such as those exposed to excess moisture. Buildings with high humidity or inadequate ventilation can also see extensive mold growth. People with both mold allergies and asthma should try to avoid these environments and always have an emergency plan in case of an attack.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections are the most dangerous of the different diseases linked with mold. The different types of fungal infections caused by mold include:
- Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
- Aspergilloma
- Allergic pulmonary aspergillosis
These infections are a result of fungus causing inflammation in the sinuses or lungs. They most commonly affect people who already have asthma, other breathing conditions, or a weakened immune system. Watch for the symptoms of mold allergies paired with fever, chills, headaches, or weight loss. Much like the combination of mold allergies and asthma, people with weakened immune systems should be extremely wary of damp places with mold accumulation as well.
Without mold removal or remediation, different types of mold can cause discomfort or even serious illness. That’s why it’s critical to remove mold as soon as possible after discovery. Aloha Restoration is skilled in the process of mold removal, so if you are looking for mold removal in Barrington or elsewhere in the Chicagoland suburbs, call us today!
