Any space that contains moisture and oxygen can have mold. Outdoor mold is beneficial for the environment. It’s a type of fungi that helps biodegrade leaves, wood, and other organic matter. We need mold outdoors. Indoor mold is different; the less you have, the better, since it can negatively impact your health and thus will need treatment.
Mold is widespread, found in 47% of residential homes in America, with water damage from unexpected emergencies being the primary cause. For example, broken pipes and water lines. Other ways mold gets in your home are on building materials, condensation and dampness in basements, heating and cooling units that are not maintained, and poor ventilation.
Why is Mold Dangerous?
Mold, left undisturbed, is not that dangerous to healthy people. When mold is disturbed, tiny mold spores are released that carry their toxins to other areas of your home, places where you spend much of your time. If you inhale the mold spores, you risk an allergic reaction. Having allergic reactions repeatedly impacts the effectiveness of your immune system, preventing it from working correctly and leading to significant illnesses.
Types of Mold Exposure
Penicillium/Aspergillus is the type of mold most found in homes. In a study that tested air samples, it was present in 38%. Other toxic molds you may be exposed to at home, work, or socially include Stachybotrys or black mold, Basidiospores, and Cladosporium. Less common types of mold include Aureobasidium, Mucor, Serpula, Ulocladium, Alternaria, Trichoderma, Chaetomium, Acremonium, Fusarium,
Molds fall into three categories. One is the allergenic type that triggers allergic reactions or asthma attacks. Pathogenic molds trigger more serious illnesses, especially in people with weaker immune systems. Finally, toxigenic molds are the most dangerous. They create toxins that lead to illnesses and, in some people, can cause death.
Have I Been Exposed to Mold?
Mold is typically either black or white and grows in moist areas. It is recognizable, but you may have to get into tight spaces to check for it. The appearance of water stains on drywall is a giveaway that the area behind it is moist. Also, if you see small puddles of water in specific areas or the air in the room feels damp, you have extra moisture and possibly mold. Mold can exist in carpets, mattresses, appliances, wood, under wallpaper, and even paint.
If you can’t see mold, it may still be a problem. You may experience symptoms of mold exposure, like one or more of the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Itchy eyes
- Rashes
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Asthma flareups
Have your seasonal allergies become year-round problems? Do you have a chronic sinus infection, constantly blow your nose, rub your eyes, or find it hard to catch your breath? Then, it’s time to inspect for mold. Letting the mold continue to grow means worsening symptoms for you and your family.
What Are the Neurological Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
When mold spores enter your body, they produce mycotoxins that affect your neurological system. The more exposure you have to the toxins, the more likely you may experience neurological damage. Symptoms of mold exposure occur due to inflammation in the brain and spinal cord and can affect the neurological system in the following ways:
- Memory and concentration problems
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches or migraines
- Tremors
- Dizziness
- Poor balance
- Sensitivity to pain
- Extreme fatigue
Peripheral neuropathy may occur when exposed to mold over time, causing specific symptoms in your hands and feet. Examples of symptoms include a feeling of numbness, burning, tingling, weakness, and pain. For some, mold exposure can make you have sweating spells, blood pressure fluctuations, and heat intolerance.
How Are Neurological Symptoms of Mold Exposure Treated?
Most doctors prescribe decongestants or nasal sprays to treat your symptoms, but they do not work adequately for everyone. Furthermore, doctors may not take the time to test for which type of mold you’ve been exposed to, which may require a different treatment.
Seeking treatment from a physician with experience in infectious and rare diseases is highly recommended because they can pinpoint the mold and match it with the proper treatment. For example, Lyme Mexico and Dr. Morales consider the following when treating mold-related illnesses:
- Various classifications of antifungals
- Genetic risks
- An in-depth understanding of pathogens
- Pharmacokinetic limitations of antifungals
- Adverse effects of antifungals
- Immunosuppression therapies
- Your immune system
- Treatments for acute and chronic symptoms
- Alternative antifungal therapies
In addition, your personal health status and your environmental and living spaces. They aim to get to the problem’s source and eliminate it so your symptoms do not return after treatment.
What is a Common Treatment Approach to Mold Exposure
The best treatment combines multiple techniques to give you the best chance of success. At Lyme Mexico, you will be given a comprehensive evaluation that will help create a personalized antifungal treatment plan.
Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal protocol that utilizes intravenous and intranasal methods. Multi-resistant fungal drugs are administered by the doctor directly into your system. To boost their effectiveness, IV mycotoxin binders are combined with antifungal drugs.
Which Antifungals Treat Mold Exposure
Lyme Mexico doctors choose an antifungal treatment based on your needs and health history. It may be one or a combination of the following:
- Polyenes change the cell walls of mold spores, making them more permeable and likely to burst.
- Azoles, or a sub-category called triazoles, are antifungals for treating mold exposure. They block enzymes that create cell membranes in mold spores.
- Allylamines damage the cell membranes of mold spores, preventing them from functioning.
- Echinocandins hinder a mold spore’s ability to create a cell wall.
Where Do I Find Help?
Contact Lyme Mexico online or by phone for an initial consultation. It is crucial to remember that you want to find the best, most experienced doctor for treatment, even if that means traveling outside of the country such as the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Lyme Mexico collaborates with other doctors, and together, you can receive the right treatments to overcome the neurological symptoms of mold exposure.