We recommend starting with an allergist, immunologist, or environmental medicine specialist, as they are well-equipped to assess and diagnose mold-related health problems.
You should see a respiratory disease specialist as the major effect of the mold is on the respiratory system and respiratory or pulmonology specialist should be able to treat you best for this.
Testing for Mold Poisoning
The patient should be sure to see a doctor who is board-certified in pulmonary care in order to determine whether the signs are indeed connected to mold poisoning or to something else. The doctor will take a health assessment and health history, and will order blood testing.
There is no way to determine, in a home test, if mold is DANGEROUS. Only an expert can visibly inspect, determine where to test, and interpret those results in a meaningful way. A homeowner can buy a swab test at a Home Depot. It will tell you what species are present.
If you have black mold allergy symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. They can conduct tests to confirm a black mold allergy. They can also recommend medications that prevent symptoms.
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.
It's best to hire a professional mold inspector for accurate results. They have the experience and equipment such as digital moisture meters, hygrometers, infrared cameras, and borescopes, to detect and identify mold growth, and DIY kits may be unreliable.
According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.
Once the source of mold is uncovered and cleaned, you should seek medical treatment– whether or not you have begun to develop symptoms. If your symptoms are mild to moderate, visiting an urgent care center is a great option to receive same-day diagnosis and care.
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.
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.
Such specialists might include an allergist who treats patients with mold allergies or an infectious disease physician who treats mold infections. If an infection is in the lungs, a pulmonary physician might be recommended.
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.
In his California market, the cost can range from $275 for a simple visit to $2,900 for a complex inspection. For homes under 4,000 square feet, Angi estimates the average cost is generally between $300 and $400, whereas larger homes may see prices between $700 and $1,000.
Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.
Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.
Chronic Fatigue: Mold forces your body to work harder, leading to persistent fatigue, especially in those with pre-existing conditions. Lung Issues: Prolonged exposure can cause lasting damage to lung function.
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.
Often county health departments will help you test for bacteria or nitrates. If not, you can have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory. You can find one in your area by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visiting www.epa.gov/safewater/labs.