How do I know if I'm reacting to mold?

Author: Jay Hessel  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include: Sneezing. Runny or stuffy nose. Cough and postnasal drip.

How do I test myself for mold exposure?

There is a blood test for mold exposure, but the skin test is the most common form of the test. 1. Ask your doctor or allergy specialist for a mycotoxin diagnostic test. If you really want a more in-depth picture of your mold exposure, ask your doctor or allergy specialist for a mycotoxin test.

How do I know if my cough is from mold?

Coughing. Another one of the most immediate symptoms of a mold allergy is a dry and scratchy throat, prompting a nagging cough. In some cases, mold can cause heavier coughs as well. Mucus and histamine production can lead to persistent coughing as your body tries to clear the throat of mucus buildup.

What are the symptoms of mold in the gut?

Mold exposure has been linked to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to more severe digestive disturbances, depending on the individual's sensitivity and the extent of mold exposure.

What are the symptoms of breathing black mold?

Black mold is a fungus that may cause your immune system to react. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, congestion and eye irritation.

What are the symptoms of a mold allergy or reaction to exposure?

How to tell if mold is making you sick?

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Cough and postnasal drip.
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Dry, scaly skin.

Can lungs recover from black mold?

Exposure to mould can have an impact on your lungs, particularly for people with a lung condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or asthma. And whether you have a pre-existing condition or not, prolonged exposure to mould can cause irreversible damage.

What are the 10 warning signs of mold toxicity?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Can mold behind walls make you sick?

It irritates the nose and throat, which can lead to both sneezing and coughing as your body tries to get rid of the irritant. Inhaling mold spores can also trigger coughing in people with allergies or an asthma attack, for those with asthma.

What are the neurological symptoms of black mold?

Mold exposure can cause a variety of neurological effects, including headaches and migraines, cognitive impairments, memory loss, confusion, impaired motor skills, depression, and other behavioral changes. Due to mold exposure, people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to neurological symptoms.

How to tell if your house is toxic?

If you suspect your asthma worsens or is more severe than usual, contact your doctor or medical professional.
  1. Bad Smells In The Home. When there's a bad smell in the home, you can tell. ...
  2. Peeling Wallpaper. ...
  3. Spots On The Wall. ...
  4. Bad Allergies Won't Go Away. ...
  5. Visible Mold Growth. ...
  6. Past Water Damage.

What does mold in lungs feel like?

The signs and symptoms of aspergillosis vary depending on the specific form. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis has symptoms similar to asthma. They include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. In chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, it usually takes a while for patients to develop symptoms.

What is mold hypersensitivity syndrome?

Dampness and mold hypersensitivity syndrome (DMHS) is a chronic debilitating condition that occurs after cumulative or prolonged exposure to indoor air dampness microbiota (DM). It is a worldwide problem, but it is often neglected, overlooked, and denied.

What kills mold in the body?

Activated Charcoal: Absorbs toxins, potentially helping to clear mold spores from your system. Take it in capsule form to absorb toxins. It's best used under medical supervision, especially after known mold exposure.

How to check for mold in the air in your house?

The two most common methods used to identify a mold problem are mold test kits or air testing sensors. These kits include the necessary air test devices, chemical strips, or Petri dishes and are available at department stores or online. They'll also come with an instruction manual for any brand-specific guidelines.

What is the best medicine for mold allergy?

Over-the-counter medication to alleviate mold allergy symptoms include antihistamines as the primary treatment. Antihistamines can be combined with intranasal corticosteroids or nasal decongestants to relieve symptoms, but will not cure an allergy.

How to tell if mold is behind drywall?

Musty Smell

If you think there's mold in your walls, get on your hands and knees and smell the electrical outlets. This might sound silly, but it may help you sense mold if it's growing within walls. Outlets have better access to the area behind the walls. Thus, smelling them can help identify the mold problem.

Is it safe to sleep in a room with mold on the wall?

A: Sleeping in a mouldy room is not advisable. Mould can release spores that, when inhaled during sleep, may lead to respiratory issues and allergies. These can disrupt your sleep and harm your overall health.

How to test if your house is making you sick?

If you want to monitor your indoor air quality proactively, you can invest in an air quality monitor. This will help you test if your house is making you sick. These devices constantly check the indoor air quality and provide feedback about the levels of different pollutants.

How do doctors know if mold is making you sick?

Tests used to identify an allergy include: Skin prick test. This test uses diluted amounts of common or suspected allergens, such as molds found in the local area. During the test, these substances are applied to the skin of your arm or back with tiny punctures.

Does an air purifier help with mold?

Mold is an obvious health risk in any home, but investing in an air purifier can help limit your exposure. The best among them will ideally offer HEPA-level filtration, with this level of filtration being able to trap up to 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3 microns in diameter.

Is it okay to be in a house with black mold?

How harmful is black mold? Evidence suggests that black mold is no more dangerous than other types of mold. However, exposure to black mold can cause some people to experience allergy symptoms. Black mold exposure may lead to more serious complications in people with underlying health conditions.

What does a mold cough sound like?

The cough is typically dry and non-productive, meaning it doesn't bring up mucus. It is sometimes described as having a "barking" or "hacking" sound.

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