From the Guidelines
The most effective approach to treating house mold exposure is to remove the individual from the contaminated environment and eliminate the mold source through professional remediation, as this directly addresses the root cause of the issue. This method is crucial because it prevents further exposure to mold spores, which can exacerbate symptoms and lead to more severe health complications, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions 1.
Key Steps in Treatment
- Removing oneself from the contaminated environment to prevent further exposure
- Professional remediation of the mold to ensure complete removal
- For those with allergies and asthma, using air cleaners such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters can help decrease concentrations of mold spores in the air, thereby alleviating symptoms 1
- Regularly changing filters on central forced-air systems and furnaces according to the manufacturer's recommendations to maintain good air quality
Additional Measures
- Using electrostatic filters/precipitators in central furnace and air conditioning systems can be beneficial for reducing airborne particles, but they are only effective when turned on 1
- Room HEPA filters can also be beneficial but are limited to single-room use and may generate unacceptable noise levels
- Preventive measures such as fixing water leaks promptly, maintaining indoor humidity below 50%, using exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and cleaning visible mold with detergent and water are essential for preventing future mold growth and exposure
Importance of Professional Remediation
Professional remediation is emphasized because it ensures that the mold is completely removed, reducing the risk of ongoing exposure and related health issues. This approach, combined with preventive measures, is key to minimizing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life for individuals exposed to house mold.
From the Research
House Mold Effects and Treatment
The effects of house mold exposure can be significant, and treatment is crucial to prevent further complications.
- Exposure to molds can cause human disease through several well-defined mechanisms, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, sinusitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis 2.
- The vast majority of mold spores live in harmony with humans, rarely causing disease, but certain species can trigger allergies or asthma, or be involved in hypersensitivity diseases 3.
- Treatment for mold-related illnesses can include anti-fungal agents, and immunotherapy may be effective for certain types of mold allergies, such as Alternaria 3, 4, 5.
Recommended Treatment
- For patients with mold-related illnesses, evaluation of both the patient and the environment is essential 2.
- Immunotherapy with fungal extracts, such as Alternaria, can be effective in treating allergic fungal respiratory diseases 4, 5.
- However, the use of immunotherapy should be limited to specific species of fungi, and fungal mixes should not be used for diagnosis or therapy 5.
- Treatment of mold exposure and related illnesses should be managed by a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual's symptoms, exposure history, and medical condition 6.