Mold exposure doesn’t affect everyone in the same way.
This article explains common and rare mold exposure symptoms plus complications that can occur.
The most common indoor molds areCladosporium,Penicillium, andAspergillus.
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Allergy Symptoms
Mold allergy symptomsinclude:
Like otherallergies, mold allergy can develop at any age.
Symptoms of mold allergy may appear immediately upon exposure, or they may be delayed.
When symptoms are delayed, it can sometimes make an association between the allergen and symptoms less clear.
Asthma Symptoms
In addition to allergies, mold can trigger allergicasthma symptomsin some people.
Rare Symptoms
More rarely, mold exposure can cause other symptoms.
These include:
These symptoms may be signs of rare conditions that develop from mold exposure.
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
Hypersensitivity pneumonitisis an immune system disorder that develops from a reaction to an inhaled allergen.
However, about 5% of people develop a chronic condition.This condition is treated by eliminating the allergen.
ABPA treatment includescorticosteroidsand anti-fungal medications.
Fungal Infection
Sometimes people can develop a fungal infection when they inhale mold spores.
For example,coccidioidomycosis(commonly called Valley fever) is afungal infection of the lungs.
This fungus is found in soil in the U.S. Southwest, Mexico, and Central and South America.
This condition is not contagious and is usually mild.
Symptoms appear one to three weeks after exposure and can last up to a few months.
There is no scientific evidence that exposure to mold causesautoimmune disease.
If you must enter a place with mold, wear anN-95 respirator.
Asthma Attack
Mold exposure can prompt asevere asthmaattack in people with asthma.
Sometimes these attacks can be fatal.
It is a medical emergency if you or your child experiences these symptoms.
They will also help you develop a plan to manage your allergies or asthma.
Summary
Mold exposure does not cause symptoms in everyone.
However, in people with allergies and asthma, they may cause allergy symptoms and asthma attacks.
More rarely, some people may develop flu-like symptoms after inhaling the allergen.
These symptoms may be due to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, ABPA, or fungal infection.
Complications most often occur in people with compromised immune systems and people with asthma.
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