Could Mold Be Causing Your Chronic Symptoms?

Whether you struggle with fatigue, joint pain, sinus issues, respiratory problems, or brain fog, it can be frustrating if your doctor can’t seem to find the source of your persistent symptoms. The next step might be thinking outside the box and snooping for clues where you typically wouldn’t look.

Has it occurred to you that your symptoms may be due to mold? Determining whether mold allergies or exposure affects you makes it easier to find ways to alleviate your symptoms. Furthermore, visiting your local integrative and preventive health specialist is an excellent place to start.

Mold Allergies

A mold allergy means your immune system has an unhealthy reaction to mold spores when you breathe or ingest them. You might be allergic if mold exposure elicits any of the following symptoms:

• Coughing
• Dry, scaly skin
• Itchy throat and eyes
• Watery eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Sneezing
• Stuffy or runny nose

Some people have allergic reactions to mold all year, while others might experience them occasionally, such as during damp weather or in spaces with high mold counts. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Some individuals with asthma also have mold allergies, which can worsen wheezing and chest tightness.

If you know you have a mold allergy, your best strategy is to limit exposure. You can also take medications or more holistic supplements, like glutathione, to keep your symptoms under control when they emerge.

Mold Exposure

Even without a mold allergy, it’s possible to get sick due to unintentional contact with mold. Unfortunately, symptoms are similar to those of other conditions, meaning mold exposure often goes unnoticed.

If you develop a stuffy nose, headache, itchy eyes and skin, coughing, fatigue, or wheezing for no apparent reason, mold in your home might be to blame. Almost half of all U.S. residences have some form of mold or dampness. When moisture lingers, in as little as 48 hours, pathogens start to grow, the process necessary for mold development.

Unfortunately, mold exposure is often overlooked by home dwellers and physicians alike. Doctors might mistakenly attribute the symptoms to asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, dementia, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treating Mold Exposure and Toxicity

The first line of attack in treating mold-related symptoms is to identify the source of the mold. It could be in your home, which requires extensive home testing by a qualified Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) who can do a comprehensive inspection. The IEP can determine whether water damage led to mold growth, and their assessment is more extensive than a standard home inspection.

Pinpointing the source of your mold-related symptoms makes it easier to treat them effectively. If your provider suspects a mold allergy, they will order a blood or skin allergy test for confirmation.

If you take prescription allergy medications or drugs to heal from mold exposure, you’ll still benefit from more natural methods of detoxing your body and getting back to feeling like yourself. An integrative medical practice can be an excellent resource for learning more about mold toxicity and treating your symptoms.

Dr. Blatman, founder and medical director of Blatman Health and Wellness Center, has over 30 years of experience and is board-certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He and his holistic healthcare team are equipped to help you determine if mold exposure or toxicity is the root of your symptoms.

Your integrative healthcare team can also provide nutrition and supplementation guidance, which benefits many of our other local clients. One supplement that has proven results is glutathione, which you can get from Blatman Health and Wellness Center. This compound occurs naturally in the body and supports immune functioning. Mold exposure can reduce your glutathione levels, so taking it in supplement form can help you remove toxins.

For mold-related conditions, you can also try green tea and turmeric. Consider immune-boosting IV infusion therapy at our local wellness clinic for added protection.

If Mold Is the Issue, We’re Here to Help

Mold is everywhere—indoors and outside. Avoiding the symptoms of exposure and allergies can feel like navigating a minefield. If you have persistent, unexplained symptoms like sneezing, fatigue, or headaches, locally based integrative care at Blatman Health and Wellness Center can help if mold is the underlying issue. Whatever is ailing you, we’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to get you feeling better.