Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in numerous places, inside and outside of your home.
Mold reproduction happens through the formation of spores that float in the air and develop once they come into contact with surfaces that are damp.
We’re exposed to mold spores on a daily basis. Most of the time, they don’t trigger health issues; however, in individuals with respiratory illness or weak immunity, they may increase their risk of breathing problems and other health complications.
What’s more, some types of mold may lead to an allergic reaction or a lung infection.
Can Mold Reach Your Lungs?
When you’re outside, you’re constantly breathing in mold spores. The problem happens when they trigger an allergic reaction or an infection, especially if you’re in the high-risk group.
Most of the health issues around mold are due to the fungus A. fumigatus. This fungus grows in different places, including in leaves and vegetation.
Other molds can also enter the lungs and these infections are known as non-Aspergillus infections.
5 Revealing Signs That Mold Is In Your Lungs
- Constant sneezing
If you’re sneezing all the time and also experiencing other symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy throat, a stuffy nose, and irritated skin, you may be exposed to mold. Mold toxicity is known to contribute to unusual allergies.
You may begin getting ill more often or you’re constantly struggling with a stuffy nose.
- Fatigue
Are you dealing with constant tiredness, no matter how well you slept or rested? It may be due to mold exposure.
Namely, mycotoxins are a type of mold that is known to grow on food, especially in warm and humid areas.
In a study from 2013 published in the journal Toxins, it was noted that exposure to various types of molds may contribute to chronic tiredness.
- Poor focus
Brain fog, forgetfulness, and a feeling of poor focus may happen when you’re exposed to mold.
This is due to the connection of mold with inflammation. As an irritant, mold may trigger an inflammatory response.
In a 2009 study, it was concluded that chronic brain inflammation from mold exposure may contribute to long-term cognitive impairment.
- Difficulty breathing
Symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing may occur with mold exposure. Even if you don’t suffer from seasonal allergies, you may experience such symptoms if you’re exposed to mold.
If mold exposure happens in individuals with asthma, these symptoms may be more severe.
- You’re feeling down
Studies done in recent years concluded that mold exposure is detrimental to mental health and well-being.
It may contribute to anxiety and depression too.
According to a study from the Environmental Health Perspectives journal, exposure to damp and moldy households elevates the chance of depression by 34 percent and 44 percent.
In another study from 2020, mold exposure was found to elevate anxious behavior.
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