3 Unexpected Signs Mold May Be Affecting Your Health

Mold exposure and related illness has become very important in the last few years, especially when it comes to many chronic and severe health issues. When present, the impact of mold on health cannot be understated. Mold, along with other possible toxic exposures always need to be investigated. This is especially true when there are issues such as multiple chemical sensitivity, Lyme disease, and/or if everything you’ve tried so far should be making a difference and yet, your health issues stubbornly refuse to budge.

What Is Mold?

Generally speaking, a mold is a fungus that grows on damp or decaying organic matter. It sends out filaments, or thin branching hair-like projections called hyphae, which gives the mold its fuzzy appearance. The mold’s main action is to break down organic matter. Some molds have been harnessed for their ability to produce compounds used in medicines (i.e. penicillin and statins), while other species are part of the fermentation process that yields foods like tempeh, miso, blue cheese and kombucha- to name a few.

And then, there are other molds that can be quite harmful to your health, especially if there is a large or continuous exposure (i.e. living in, or above a water-damaged basement), difficulty with detoxification (i.e. sensitivity to fragrances, conventional cleaning products, medications, caffeine, etc.), genetic susceptibility (indicated by genomic testing).These molds grow in environments that are dark, damp, humid and poorly ventilated.Commonly affected areas include bathrooms, basements, dark and damp storage areas, under poorly installed floors and carpet, or behind walls.Poorly maintained, older workplaces as well as newer and more “energy efficient” workplaces can be susceptible to mold issues and can be the cause of a condition now called “Sick Building Syndrome”.

How Do I Know If I Have Mold Illness?

Mold illness is often a challenge to figure out, as it can take some time to show up. Symptoms can vary widely and can be difficult to connect to a triggering event because the effect of mold builds up over time in many people and may be initially unnoticeable. In addition to all that, mold and its toxic components can be present in the environment, even in the absence of visible mold growth or the characteristic “musty” moldy smell. This is because many toxic compounds produced by molds (referred to as “mycotoxins”) can be present, despite being undetectable by smell.

The following symptoms are only three of many more that may occur if your body is responding to mold exposure. Many mold exposure symptoms can mimic other, more severe health conditions that do need to be ruled out by your doctor.

New onset of asthma or allergies

Mold toxicity is caused by the following: spores and spore fragments- which are smaller than intact spores, and mycotoxins which are produced by the mold as its defense strategy
When any and all of these components are inhaled, they have the ability to trigger an allergic response, cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory passages and result in asthma-like symptoms and/or mimic seasonal allergies.

chronic sinusitis

Mold likes to hang out in the sinuses, which are paired hollow spaces found in the front of the skull and are connected to the nasal passages that extend from the nostrils. They are lined by mucous membranes which are soft, moist tissue similar to that found inside the mouth.
To increase its survival chances, mold that makes its way into the sinuses will often interact with other microbes (i.e. bacteria) that are present and together they will create structures called “biofilms” which act to protect the mold and other microbes, which also makes the sinusitis more difficult to treat.
Sinuses may feel heavy and swollen, with associated nasal stuffiness and pressure in the front of the face, especially around the eyes and the feeling of dripping or irritation in the back of the throat, resulting in the feeling of needing to clear the throat often.

brain fog & other mental impairments

Spores, spore fragments and mycotoxins can induce inflammation. Spores, fragments and mycotoxins can enter the body through inhalation and ingestion. Additionally, mycotoxins can also be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes- such as the inside of the mouth and nose, before entering the bloodstream
A number of these mycotoxins can cross the blood-brain barrier, which is meant to protect the brain from infection and other things that may cause inflammation. This ability is due to the small and fat-soluble structure of many mycotoxins. Once past this protective barrier, it can cause inflammation and disrupt the proper function of brain and nerve cells. It also depletes important anti-oxidants like glutathione, which also help to protect the cells from damage.

What Next Steps Should I Take?

These are just some of the common symptoms that may tell you that you might be affected by mold. The next steps should include a thorough investigation into your health and life history including living and working conditions. A number of general and specific labs will be recommended to determine what might be going on and to rule out other health conditions. An environmentally-focused health care provider is knowledgeable in these methods of assessment.

Mold exposure can often worsen other health conditions and make it difficult to treat illnesses such as Lyme, autoimmune diseases and multiple chemical sensitivities. In many cases, someone may be doing “all the right things”, but they are, unexpectedly, not getting better. This may need deeper investigation. It is also important to note that health issues involving mold exposure can take some time and effort to manage. This is something to keep in mind and to discuss with your health care provider when setting up your treatment plan and discussing expectations.

Looking For More Environmental Support?

If you’re ready to learn more about how mold and other environmental exposures are impacting your health, and how Naturopathic Medicine can support you, you can book a complimentary consult with us here.