What toxic molds can cause neuropathy symptoms, weakness, and respiratory problems?

From the Guidelines

Toxic molds such as Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species can cause neuropathy symptoms, weakness, and respiratory problems due to the production of mycotoxins like trichothecenes, ochratoxins, and aflatoxins. These mycotoxins can damage the nervous system and cause neurological symptoms when inhaled or when they come into contact with the skin, leading to inflammation and oxidative stress that damages nerve tissue 1. The symptoms of exposure to these toxic molds include peripheral neuropathy, general muscle weakness, headaches, memory problems, and respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and sinus congestion 1. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these mycotoxins 1. If mold exposure is suspected, it is essential to remove oneself from the contaminated environment, seek medical evaluation from a healthcare provider familiar with environmental illness, and have the home professionally inspected and remediated if necessary 1. Treatment typically focuses on eliminating exposure and managing symptoms, as there are no specific medications that directly counteract mycotoxins 1. Some key points to consider include:

• The importance of avoiding exposure to mold, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems 1
• The need for prompt medical evaluation and treatment if mold exposure is suspected 1
• The role of mycotoxins in causing neurological symptoms and respiratory problems 1
• The importance of professional remediation of mold-contaminated environments to prevent further exposure 1

From the Research

Toxic Molds and Their Effects

Toxic molds can cause a range of health problems, including neuropathy symptoms, weakness, and respiratory issues. Some of the molds that have been linked to these health problems include:

• Aspergillus 2, 3, 4, 5
• Stachybotrys chartarum 3, 4
• Cladosporium 3
• Penicillium 3, 4
• Fusarium 3, 4
• Alternaria 3, 4
• Rhizopus 3
• Curvularia 3
• Basidiomycetes 3
• Myxomycetes 3
• Epicoccus 3
• Bipolaris 3

Health Effects of Toxic Mold Exposure

Exposure to toxic molds has been linked to a range of health problems, including:

• Neuropathy symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, and weakness 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
• Respiratory problems, such as rhinorrhea, sinus tenderness, and wheezing 3, 4
• Neurological dysfunction, such as short-term memory loss, inability to stand on toes, and difficulty walking a straight line with eyes closed 3, 4, 5
• Abnormalities in T and B cells, and subsets 3
• Trichothecene toxin and breakdown products in urine 3
• Serum antibodies to molds 3, 6
• Positive intradermal skin tests for individual molds 3
• Abnormal brain scans, including triple-head single photon emission computed tomography 3
• Objective abnormal autonomic nervous system tests 3
• Abnormal neuropsychological evaluations, including short-term memory, executive function/judgment, concentration, and hand/eye coordination 3

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of toxic mold exposure typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, such as:

• Intradermal skin testing for individual molds 3
• Measurement of serum antibodies to molds 3, 6
• Nerve conduction studies 2, 6
• Brain scans, including triple-head single photon emission computed tomography 3
• Neuropsychological evaluations 3 Treatment for toxic mold exposure typically involves avoiding further exposure to the mold, as well as addressing any related health problems, such as neuropathy or respiratory issues 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.