Symptoms of Bad Mold

Not all mold is harmful, but some molds cause serious health issues. Symptoms can range from a mildly annoying runny nose to life-threatening asthma symptoms. If left untreated, those who are constantly around harmful mold may end up in the hospital. Getting rid of bad mold should be done at the earliest possible convenience to avoid the possibility of serious health problems.

Allergic Rhinitis

• Mold can trigger allergic rhinitis, which is a condition that causes nasal allergy symptoms. Frequent sneezing and congestion can occur as the nose tries to rid itself of the pathogen. Other symptoms of allergic rhinitis include runny and itchy nose and nasal drip. Doctors often prescribe nasal sprays that keep the passages moist and antihistamines that block the body's allergic reaction in an effort to control the symptoms.

Skin Problems

• As mold triggers an allergic reaction in the body, the symptoms manifest themselves in many ways. With skin, the main issue is itching. This can range from general itchiness with no specific problem area or marks to localized or widespread hives and rashes. Hives, also called urticaria, is a common problem in people with mold allergies. These itchy red splotches usually go away on their own but in serious cases may require medical treatment such as an antihistamine shot.

Itchy Eyes

• Certain molds can be so potent that they trigger allergic reactions in people who do not otherwise have allergies. The very presence of mold can be enough to turn eyes into itchy, reddened, watery orbs. More dangerous is attempting to clean mold without wearing proper safety glasses, as the spores can float off and come in contact with the eyes and cause more serious irritation and even infections. If mold spores get in the eyes, they should be washed out immediately. Rubbing or trying to scratch the eye area can cause further damage, so taking the proper safety precautions are paramount.

Breathing Problems

• Mold can worsen the symptoms of an asthmatic or person with breathing problems, or cause asthma in a person without a prior history of the disease. Separate from asthma, bad mold can induce coughing fits that last several minutes and leave a person feeling dizzy and tired. As mold spores are inhaled, the lungs or airways try to expel the irritant, leading to the constriction of breathing or violent coughing.