Mold Illness

 
 

Mold illness

Mold illness can cause Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It occurs when someone has been exposed to indoor molds for an extended period of time. Certain people are more genetically susceptible to mold illness, as their body is not able to process the mold as well as others.

Mold are pretty tough organisms, and it acts on human health in several different ways. It produces mold spores, which are microscopic cells that float through the air and serve to propagate that particular mold species.

Mold also produces mycotoxins, which are toxic chemicals that the mold uses to protect its territory. These are incredibly small particle that can be absorbed through the lungs, through the skin, or even through mold containing foods. These can have a detrimental effect on many areas of the body.

As mentioned above, mold illness can develop on exposure to a water damaged building. Buildings can become water damaged due to many different events, such as a roof leak, pipe leak, inadequate caulking, or inadequate ventilation in a basement or crawl space. To prevent mold growth, damp or wet surfaces should be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours.

Mold illness appears differently in each person. Common symptoms include: 

  • Coughing

  • Wheezing

  • Sneezing

  • Nasal drainage

  • Skin issues.

If the mold illness is left untreated, it can also lead to more severe symptoms, such as:

  • Brain fog or concentration issues

  • Memory loss

  • Mental health challenges

  • Fatigue and weakness

  • Nervous system problems such as nerve pain, numbness, and tingling

  • Headaches or migraines

  • Vertigo and/or dizziness

  • Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and bloating

  • Chronic sinusitis

  • Fibromyalgia

Dr. Walsh has been treating mold illness successfully for several years, ever since she was diagnosed with mold illness herself in 2018. She sees a clear correlation between SIBO and mold illness as well, as many patients whose SIBO did not resolve in the expected time frame were also positive for mold illness. 

She has taken extensive training with Dr. Jill Crista (author of Break the Mold, www.drcrista.com) and Dr. Paul Anderson.