Dealing with Mold-Induced Asthma: What You Need to Know

Mold-Induced Asthma

Millions of Americans are impacted by mold-induced asthma, a significant medical condition. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 8.4% of adults and 5.8% of children in the United States have asthma, with mold exposure being one of the biggest triggers. In fact, studies show that mold can cause asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In this article, we'll explore asthma caused by mold exposure, its symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures.

Symptoms of Mold-Induced Asthma

Mold asthma is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne mold spores. The symptoms can be similar to those of asthma caused by other allergens. Common symptoms of asthma caused by mold exposure include wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath. In some cases, these asthma-like symptoms may not appear until hours, days, or weeks after mold exposure.

People with asthma can also be particularly vulnerable to the presence of indoor mold, as it can trigger asthma attacks more readily than other allergens. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with mold exposure. By understanding asthma triggered by mold, asthma sufferers can better manage their condition and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.

What Kind Of Mold Can Trigger Asthma?

Asthma caused by mold exposure is triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne mold spores. Different types of mold can be found in the home and outdoors, and some may trigger asthma more than others. Common indoor mold strains that can trigger asthma include Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.

How Can Mold Affect My Asthma?

Mold can have a major impact on asthma sufferers. In some cases, asthma attacks may be triggered more frequently and severely when exposed to mold. This can result in increased asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Furthermore, long-term exposure to mold can also increase asthma severity and lead to more serious health effects. Therefore, it is important for asthma sufferers to be aware of the potential health risks associated with mold asthma and take steps to prevent or reduce exposure.

Research About the Mold and Asthma Connection

Research has shown that asthma caused by mold exposure is a serious condition that can have long-term effects on asthma sufferers. In 2001-2003, Dr. Tina Reponen and her team from the University of Cincinnati conducted a study funded by NIH's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The study aimed to explore the connection between mold and childhood asthma, using a sample of 289 homes with infants averaging 8 months old.

The researchers collected dust samples from each home and assessed them for 36 different types of mold using the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI). The findings, published in the August 2012 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, revealed that ERMI values varied from -10 to 20. They administered skin tests and asthma tests to the children at age 7, with 69 of them (24%) developing asthma due to mold.

This study emphasizes the significance of limiting exposure to indoor mold in managing asthma symptoms in affected children, regardless of their exposure to allergens outside of their home environment.

In another study using the cross-sectional data of the 2017 and 2018 National Surveys of Children's Health, researchers discovered that over 40,000 children in the United States were exposed to mold. Results showed that 11% of those in mold-exposed households had been diagnosed with asthma by a physician, while only 7% of those in non-exposed households had asthma. The study revealed a clear correlation between heightened exposure to household mold and an increased risk of childhood asthma, highlighting just how important it is for parents to keep their homes free from harmful mold.

What Should You Do If Your Allergy Has Worsened Due To Asthma?

If you think you or your child's asthma has been triggered by mold exposure, create a plan of action. The first step is to speak to a doctor or healthcare provider about your asthma and the potential risks associated with mold exposure. Your doctor may recommend avoiding or reducing exposure to mold, as well as taking medication to manage asthma symptoms.

Additionally, if you think indoor mold is present in your home, contact a certified mold inspector to help identify and address the problem. Here at Mold Act, we are trained to identify the type and location of mold in your home and provide a plan to remove it. We can also assess the airborne levels of mold spores, determine the presence of any harmful mold, and recommend additional steps you may need to take to properly address the problem. By working with a certified mold inspector, you can ensure that your home is free from hazardous mold and minimize your risk of health issues caused by prolonged exposure.

What Happens If You Breathe In Mold For Years?

Prolonged exposure to mold can cause a number of health issues, ranging from mild to serious. Common symptoms include skin and eye irritation, respiratory difficulty, headaches, fatigue, coughing, and other flu-like symptoms. In more severe cases, breathing in mold for years can lead to chronic inflammation of the lungs and other organs, as well as potentially fatal infections such as pneumonia or meningitis.

Tips To Prevent Mold In Your Home

Keeping your Dallas home free of mold is essential for maintaining good health and preventing potential health problems associated with mold contamination. By taking the proper steps to prevent mold growth in your home, you can ensure that you and your family are living in a healthy environment.

Here are some tips for preventing mold growth:

• Ensure that your home is well ventilated, especially in areas prone to moisture
• Keep the humidity levels in your home at a moderate level
• Inspect your home regularly for signs of mold growth, such as visible patches or musty odors
• Clean and dry water-damaged surfaces immediately to prevent mold growth
• Install dehumidifiers in areas prone to mold growth

By following these tips, you can reduce your exposure to mold and help prevent asthma attacks. In addition, asthma sufferers should also consult with a healthcare provider or certified mold inspector if they suspect that there is mold present in their home. This can help ensure that the problem is identified and addressed quickly, minimizing the health risks associated with asthma caused by mold exposure.

If You Care For Your Health, Mold Should Be Removed

It's not always easy to know if toxic mold is present in a home. If you or your children are experiencing asthma or other concerning symptoms, mold testing should be done by a professional mold removal company.

If you think indoor mold is present in your home, contact a professional mold removal company, such as Mold Act, where one of our certified mold inspectors will help identify and address the problem. Additionally, if asthma is a problem, reach out to your healthcare provider to take steps towards improving asthma symptoms. By taking these preventative measures, you can better manage asthma caused by mold exposure and improve your long-term outlook.

We don't wait for mold to get worse. We act!

Are you looking for a mold remediation company you can trust? Look no further than Mold Act. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering our clients with the highest level of service, operating all across the States, including:

• Arlington, VA
• Baltimore, MD
• Boca Raton, FL
• Miami, FL
• New Jersey, NJ
• Plano, TX
• Washington, DC
• Yonkers, NY

Call our professional mold remediation service today at 877-660-0430!