Mold Allergy
Mold allergy is perhaps the most common, and most widely accepted form of mold illness. Symptoms may include asthma, coughing, itchy throat, sinus pressure, wheezing, sneezing, dry eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and even rashes like hives or eczema. An individual’s allergy symptoms may look different from someone else’s allergy symptoms, and that may also look different depending on the type of mold to which they are exposed. A good sign that you’re dealing with an allergy, or a histamine mediated reaction (like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) is if you have some improvement with antihistamines
Mycotoxicosis
Mycotoxicosis, is the toxic state induced by mold exposure. Certain molds produce metabolites called “mycotoxins”. These molecules act as protection for molds- they are toxic to anything perceived as a threat to the fungi. This includes other mold, bacteria, and the immune system of living hosts. Mycotoxins are small substances able to pass easily into the cells of the body, where they are effortlessly bioaccumulated (stored away), especially in cells that are rich in lipids or fats. Mycotoxins can be harmful to all cells of the body, but are especially toxic to the nervous system, the endocrine (hormonal) system, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. It is not uncommon for people suffering from mycotoxicosis to complain of severe fatigue, wandering nerve pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, low libido, anxiety, depression, OCD like behavior, and mood swings. Moreover, they may have difficulty with the following: concentration, word recall, planning tasks, staying organized, following conversation, and reading comprehension. Other neurological complaints may be present, such as disorientation, atypical seizure-like disorder, issues with the senses (taste, touch, smell, vision, hearing), tics, balance issues, headache, numbness, tingling, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting (especially when moving from seated to standing) and buzzing sensations. Hormone issues may include abnormal menstrual cycle (too long, too short, spotting, or absence of menses), hot flashes, poor libido, hair loss, thyroid dysfunction, decrease muscle mass, adrenal fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, insomnia, and erectile & sexual dysfunction.
CIRS
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome is a multisystem, multi-symptom inflammatory illness.
This is a multisystem, multi-symptom condition that occurs when mold biotoxins (like mycotoxins) attach to immune cells and don’t let go.
The immune cells keep sending signals to produce cytokines - proteins produced by your immune system. When your immune system keeps producing cytokines, it grows weakened from being overworked.
On top of that, all the excess immune response leads to your own immune system attacking benign tissues, causing inflammation.
As CIRS affects many different systems, there are many different symptoms, the most common being: vertigo, fatigue, weakness, static shocks, increased thirst, increased urination, body aches, light sensitivity, blurry vision, memory difficulties, joint & muscle pain, headache, morning stiffness, muscle cramping, cough, numbness & tingling, sharp wandering pains, digestive complaints, skin sensitivity, difficulty breathing, sinus pressure, appetite changes, body temperature changes, red eyes, night sweats, odd taste in the mouth, mood swings, and watery eyes.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
• Hormonal- Fatigue, weakness, weight changes, appetite changes, temperature regulation difficulties, night sweats, increased thirst, erectile & sexual dysfunction, low libido, low muscle mass, hypothyroidism, low testosterone, abnormal menstrual cycle.
• Cognitive & Psychological- Difficulties processing new information, brain fog, memory impairment, difficulty with word finding, anxiety, disorientation, dissociation & depersonalization, confusion, depression, mood swings, concentration deficit, OCD like behavior, tics, sleep disturbance, loss of time
• Neurological & Musculoskeletal - Numbness, tingling, sharp wandering pain, electrical pain, dizziness, vertigo, hearing difficulties, balance issues, atypical seizure-like disorder, muscle pain, joint pain, muscle cramping, morning stiffness, sensations of buzzing, vibrating & crawling
• Gastrointestinal & Urinary - diarrhea, constipation, liver and gallbladder pain (right sided abdominal pain), cramping, interstitial cystitis, painful urination, change in urine quality, stool changes, increased urinary frequency
• Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose & Throat- headache, migraine, hair loss, nose bleeds, sinus congestion, vision changes, decreased contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, red eyes, visual disturbances, blurry vision, difficulty hearing, tinnitus (ringing of the ears), runny nose, dry eyes, watery eyes, eye irritation, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, recurrent head colds.
• Respiratory & Cardiovascular- shortness of breath, asthma, cough- dry or productive, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, high blood pressure, and chest tightness
• Skin- rashes, itching, difficulty healing
Treatment
Treatment starts with identifying the source of mould exposure. Only after removing the the patient from the contaminated environment can medical treatment be effective.
The importance of prompt and effective mold remediation must not be overlooked nor discounted.
If you suspect that you or someone in your household is experiencing health problems related to mould exposure, it is important to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment or recommendations.
In conclusion, mould exposure can have significant health effects, particularly on the respiratory system and immune system. By taking proactive measures to prevent and address mould issues, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the potential health risks associated with mould exposure.