Toxic mold: Encyclopedia II - Toxic mold - Symptoms

Toxic mold - Symptoms

Human bodies can tolerate molds and mycotoxins in small quantities. In larger quantities, they can be a health hazard. Molds are a very common human allergen. Because exposure to mycotoxins is relatively rare, allergic effects are more common than toxic effects.

The health effects of mycotoxin exposure are different from allergic reactions to mold spores. Toxic effects can include flu-like symptoms, respiratory problems, headaches, cognitive problems, and skin irritation.

Another health threat from mold exposure is systemic fungal infection. Immunocompromised individuals exposed to high levels of mold, or possibly individuals with chronic exposure paired with mycotoxic exposure may become infected. Sinuses and digestic tract infections are most common. Lung and skin infections are also possible.

Systemic fungal infection can be a serious health problem. Alcohol and mycotoxin production may result from the fungal growth, leading to a myriad of symptoms. Sudden food allergies and digestive problems can mislead diagnosis. Treatment can be long-term (many years).

Systemic infection may be of the environmental mold itself, or by other common food-related molds consumed under an weakend immune system. A weakened immune system may also result in other opportunistic infections, for example bacterial infection.

Environmental illnesses can be difficult for healthcare practitioners to diagnose. Because those who are living in houses contaminated by the mold generally can't smell the mildewy odor, they tend to be unaware that the problem exists.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Symptoms", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki