From the Guidelines
Mold exposure can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, myalgia, anorexia, cough, and chest pain, as seen in 85%–100% of cases of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis 1.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure
The symptoms of mold exposure can range from mild to severe and include:
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Throat irritation
- Eye irritation (redness, watering, itching)
- Skin rashes or irritation
- Headaches
- Fatigue Some people may experience more severe reactions, particularly those with allergies, asthma, or compromised immune systems, including shortness of breath, fever, lung infections, and in rare cases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) 1.
Factors Affecting Symptom Severity
The severity of symptoms often depends on the amount of exposure, the type of mold, and individual sensitivity 1. Symptoms typically worsen with prolonged exposure and may improve when away from the mold source.
Treatment and Prevention
If you suspect mold exposure, removing yourself from the contaminated environment is crucial. Treatment generally focuses on symptom management with antihistamines like loratadine (10mg daily) or cetirizine (10mg daily) for allergic symptoms, nasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (1-2 sprays per nostril daily) for nasal congestion, and bronchodilators for respiratory symptoms if prescribed by a doctor 1. More severe reactions may require medical attention. The best long-term solution is identifying and eliminating the mold source through proper remediation and addressing moisture issues in your environment 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Exposure to Mold (Fungi)
The symptoms of exposure to mold (fungi) can vary depending on the individual and the type of mold. Some common symptoms include:
- Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages) 2, 3, 4
- Cough 3, 4
- Headache 3
- Respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest tightness 4
- Central nervous system symptoms such as fatigue and problems with concentration 3, 4
- Skin symptoms such as pale nasal mucosa and pharyngeal "cobblestoning" 3
- Asthma-like symptoms 4, 5
- Allergic reactions such as hives and itching 2, 3
Allergic Reactions to Mold
Allergic reactions to mold can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Some studies have shown that:
- Skin tests can be positive for fungal extracts in individuals with mold allergy 2, 3, 4
- Ingestion of mold can elicit hypersensitivity reactions in mold-sensitive individuals 5
- Antifungal agents may be effective in treating asthma and allergy symptoms after exposure to water-damaged buildings 6
Non-Allergic Symptoms of Mold Exposure
Non-allergic symptoms of mold exposure can include: