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Diseases & Allergies Caused by Mold

Mold can cause you to feel miserable and suffer with medical conditions or allergies such as itchy eyes, runny nose, cough and even asthma, according to the Mayo Clinic. Most types of molds don't cause any problem, unless you're continually exposed over long periods of time. But people who are exposed to black mold, which is toxic, may exhibit troubling symptoms such as rashes, memory loss and difficult respiration, much sooner.

  1. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

    • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is an allergic inflammatory disease caused by inhaling mold, bacteria and other irritants, according to the Air Quality Sciences website. This condition affects the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. People with this disease often suffer with chronic bouts of pneumonia, fevers and chest tightness, along with fatigue and difficulty breathing. People can develop this disease by working around mold and bacteria for several years. This condition can also cause a decrease in appetite, chills and sometimes heart failure. Visit your doctor if you think you are suffering from any type of mold-induced disease.

    Itchy Eyes

    • Mold can cause the immune to system react by releasing histamine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This response causes allergies such as itchy eyes. The eyes may become red and inflamed and itchy. Some people also experience watery eyes. This can happen continually when a person is inhaling mold on a daily basis. Hire a mold inspector to check your home for mold damage. Mold spores and bacteria lurk inside heating and air conditioning vents or behind furniture. Check for leaks and keep your home in good working condition to prevent mold from invading. CNN News says the best defense is to reduce your exposure to mold, and medications are a second recourse to keep allergies under control.

    Cough

    • Mold can also cause an allergy induced cough. Coughing is triggered by the immune system and inflammation. The airways are irritated and inflamed you might feel as though you have a cold. You can control this allergy symptom with medications or hire professionals to find the offending mold and clean it up. A cough caused by mold is often described as a persistent dry cough.

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