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Physical Reactions to Mold

Inhalation or ingestion of mold can be very dangerous, especially if a person is hypersensitive to it. Mold toxicity can occur when a person is exposed to mold for a long period of time. Mold occurs in various forms including household mold, airborne mold and mold that grows on food sources. Numerous physical reactions to mold can occur, and these reactions may present in a variety of symptoms.

  1. Household Mold

    • Mold can hide anywhere in your home. In the home, mold releases mycotoxins into the air that you may inhale or absorb through your skin. Occupants of the home may experience allergic reactions to the mold and their symptoms may include runny nose, cough, nose congestion, nausea, fatigue, a skin rash, dizziness, and nose, eye and throat irritation.

    Fungi

    • Fungi molds include yeasts, smuts, molds and mushrooms. This type of mold has a long list of symptoms, though not everyone will experience the same type of symptoms from exposure to fungi. A short list of symptoms from fungi exposure include burning of the throat and lungs, respiratory distress, choking or difficulty swallowing, vision loss, loss of memory, headaches, anxiety, extreme fatigue, flushing of the face, nosebleeds, reproductive problems, sudden change in weight, hair loss, stiff joints, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and even cancer.

    Food Mold

    • Eating food that has mold growing on it may cause mild discomfort symptoms unless the person is hypersensitive to it. Small amounts of foodborne mold most likely will not cause any severe health problems, according to scientists Trudy Wassenaar and Dr. Peter Faletra. Some symptoms of food mold reactions may include an upset stomach and diarrhea occurring typically within 24 hours of ingestion.

    Farmer's Lung

    • Farmer's lung is the name of the most serious cause of respiratory problems in the farming industry. It is caused when a person inhales mold carried by dust from hay, grain or straw. Inhaling these mold spores can cause disruption in lung function, resulting in many agricultural workers leaving the farming industry. Symptoms of farmer's lung include chronic cough, sudden illness that develops after handling hay or straw, tiredness and depression. Severe shortness of breath may occur, along with fever and physical weakness.

    Hypersensitivity

    • When a person has a severe allergic reaction to mold, he or she is considered to be hypersensitive to mold. When a hypersensitive person comes in contact with mold, he can have an anaphylactic reaction. When this happens, the entire body is affected within minutes of exposure. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, hives, sudden extreme weakness, unconsciousness and even death.

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