What is Mold Sickness? Do You have It? | Certified Mold Inspection Monmouth

What is Mold Sickness? Do You have It?

When you start to display certain symptoms that can mimic asthma and sinus infections, you may not suspect mold at first. Your doctor may not either. That’s because the symptoms of mold exposure can look the same as other illnesses, which means it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In fact, mold exposure is one of the most misdiagnosed illnesses in the United States.

Have you been diagnosed with the following?

• Fibromyalgia
• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Sinus infections
• Fatigue syndrome

While these are very real illnesses, they could be masked as mold exposure. It will take a visit with an Environmental Toxicologist to be sure. This professional understands that there could be an environmental factor to your symptoms and will do the proper research into your home and work life.

The Commonality of Misdiagnoses

If you feel sick when you go to work or stay at home, then feel better once leaving those places, that is a classic sign of mold exposure. Many general physicians may not see the connection to mold exposure with your symptoms – at least at first. That’s because mold is an environmental issue; hence, the need to see an Environmental Toxicologist.

The average family physician does not have the training in environmental sciences to properly diagnose mold as the cause of your problem.

Common Mold Exposure Misdiagnoses

There are a few illnesses out there that can also present mold exposure symptoms.

• Asthma and Emphysema: These can trigger inflammation or spastic closure of the airways. Air gets trapped through the collapse of the bronchioles, restricting your ability to exhale or inhale. People with no history of asthma and emphysema may suddenly feel these symptoms come on. But truth is, these symptoms could be due to respiratory fungal infections from mold.
• Fibromyalgia: The cause of fibromyalgia is not clear. Some think it’s a disorder involving sensitivity to pain and brain signals. Others think it is triggered by sleep disturbances, injury, infection or even changes in muscle metabolism. The symptoms of fibromyalgia and mold exposure are extremely similar.

Effects of Mold

Mold exposure can occur through a variety of ways. You can ingest it through eating contaminated foods, it can enter your sinuses and lungs through normal respiration or breathing, and it can even enter when you smoke cigars and marijuana that have been contaminated with mold. In addition, it you touch a surface contaminated with mold, then touch your eyes, mouth or nose, you can be exposed.

Basically, mold creates allergic reactions within the human body, and it’s no secret that allergies can be deadly.

Mild symptoms of short-term exposure include:

• Sneezing
• Itchiness
• Redness and skin irritation
• Watery, itchy eyes
• Headache

Advanced symptoms include:

• Constant headaches
• Nose bleeds
• Constant fatigue
• Breathing disorders
• Coughing up blood
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Hair loss
• Rashes
• Open sores on skin
• Short-term memory loss
• Neurological and nervous disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Swollen glands
• Sudden asthma attacks
• Ear infections
• Chronic sinus infections
• Chronic bronchitis
• Joint and muscle pain

The late symptoms of mold exposure over a long period of time include:

• Blindness

• Brain damage
• Long-term memory loss
• Bleeding lungs
• Cancer
• Death

If you are experiencing symptoms that could be a result of mold exposure, it’s time to find out for sure. Contact Stock Environmental Consulting right away at 732-383-5190.

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