What Are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

Mold Damage Symptoms

 

Mold-sensitive individuals may exhibit allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, coughing, itchy eyes, wheezing, and skin irritation. Moreover, mold can trigger asthmatic symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Mold exposure can also cause irritant reactions, in which case the symptoms are similar to those of an allergic reaction: coughing, runny nose, eye irritation, and more.

 

Mold allergies are the most common effects of mold on sensitive people. Both the mold itself and mold spores may lead to allergic reactions. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold include:

  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Watery eyes
  • Redness of the eyes
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • A cough and postnasal drip
  • Wheezing
  • Rashes or skin irritation

 

Furthermore, mold or mold spores can cause asthma attacks in those who have asthma. The signs and symptoms of a mold-induced asthma attack include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing

 

People exposed to mold can also show symptoms of an irritant reaction:

  • Headache
  • Skin irritation
  • Eye irritation
  • Cough
  • Hoarseness
  • Runny nose

 

Even if you’re not allergic to mold, you can be affected by mold. Various health problems can result from mold exposure, such as skin infections, flu-like diseases, and pneumonia. In the worst cases, mold exposure can severely affect people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease.

 

It’s challenging to predict how severe the health risks of mold in a home are. The degree of severity of the potential health problems differs from person to person. The length of the exposure to mold and the type of mold are also important factors in determining the health risks.