In addition to rhinitis and asthma, exposure to fungi is associated with a number of other illnesses including allergic bronchopulmonary mycoses, allergic fungal sinusitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
They also may contain significant amounts of mycotoxins. Diseases associated with inhalation of fungal spores include toxic pneumonitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, tremors, chronic fatigue syndrome, kidney failure, and cancer.
Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (dermatitis). Allergic reactions to mold are common. They can be immediate or delayed.
Editorial Note: Lycoperdonosis is a rare respiratory illness caused by inhalation of spores of the mushroom Lycoperdon. Puffballs, which are found worldwide, grow in the autumn and can be edible then.
Antifungal medications.
These drugs are the standard treatment for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. The most effective treatment is a newer antifungal drug, voriconazole (Vfend). Amphotericin B is another option. All antifungal drugs can have serious side effects, including kidney and liver damage.
In some cases, mold in your home can make you sick, especially if you have allergies or asthma. Whether or not you're allergic to mold, it can irritate your eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs. Here's what you can do to combat mold problems and take care of yourself and your home.
Mold spores stay airborne indefinitely. While in the air, they remain in a dormant state until they come into contact with wet or moist surfaces, at which point they may start growing into visible mold.
Many fungal spores contain allergens which can trigger a range of respiratory symptoms in those susceptible. These symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, mucous production, cough, congestion, sinusitis, earache, headache, wheezing, asthma and a range of bronchial symptoms and diseases.
Current research indicates that mushroom worker's lung is a hypersensitive allergic alveolitis secondary to an inhaled organic antigen (6). This antigen is contained in the fine dust released in the spawing period during the third stage of the commercial mushroom growing pro- cess (3, 7, 8).
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.
In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.
Symptoms of aspergillosis
shortness of breath. a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus. wheezing. a high temperature.
Treatment typically involves a person taking an antifungal medication, such as voriconazole. However, the type of medication a doctor prescribes may depend on the type of Aspergillus mold causing the condition because some species are resistant to certain antifungal medications.
Fungal spores in the air we breathe can cause a variety of health problems. They can make symptoms of asthma more severe and for people with weakened immune systems, can lead to life-threatening symptoms.
Treatment for fungal lung infections is specific to the type of infection. For an aspergilloma, long term antifungal therapy has been shown to be successful in up to 60% of patients. However, surgery may be needed to remove the section of the lung affected, if this is a suitable option for you.
During the cleanup of mold, many spores may be released into the air. To prevent health effects, there are several ways you can protect yourself while cleaning up the mold. Anyone with a chronic illness, such as asthma or emphysema, or who are immune comprised, should not do the cleanup.
Fungal spores make up a significant proportion of organic matter within the air.
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.
More severe symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, and lung infection may occur from mold exposure in people with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. Children exposed to mold in the first year of life may have an increased risk. View Source of developing asthma.