From the Guidelines
Black mold exposure can cause a range of health symptoms, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the Institute of Medicine's comprehensive review of the literature on the adverse health effects of mold 1. The symptoms of black mold exposure can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Nasal congestion and eye irritation
- Throat irritation and skin rashes
- Headaches and fatigue For individuals with asthma or compromised immune systems, symptoms may be more severe and include shortness of breath or lung infections, as suggested by the association between mold exposure and upper and lower respiratory tract symptoms found in the study 1. If you suspect black mold exposure, it is essential to remove yourself from the contaminated area and take steps to address the mold source, such as fixing water leaks and improving ventilation in damp areas of your home. For mild symptoms, over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or Claritin (loratadine) can help with allergic reactions, while nasal sprays like Flonase (fluticasone) may reduce inflammation, as these medications can help alleviate symptoms similar to those associated with mold exposure 1. However, persistent or severe symptoms require medical attention, as your doctor might prescribe stronger medications or inhalers to manage the condition, and it is crucial to prioritize removing the mold source to prevent further exposure and potential health risks 1.
From the Research
Black Mold Symptoms
- The symptoms associated with black mold exposure are often subjective and vague, including memory loss, inability to focus, fatigue, and headaches 2.
- However, there is no scientific evidence to support a causal relationship between exposure to visible black mold and these symptoms 2.
- Black mold, also known as Aspergillus, can cause diseases such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, allergic fungal sinusitis, and invasive aspergillosis, particularly in immunocompromised patients 2, 3, 4.
- Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, and its diagnosis remains a challenge 3, 4.
- Treatment options for aspergillosis include antifungal agents such as voriconazole, isavuconazole, and posaconazole, as well as combination therapy for extensive infection and severe immunosuppression 3, 4, 5.
- The choice of initial maintenance treatment for chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, such as oral itraconazole or voriconazole, can affect clinical improvement and hospital readmission rates 6.