Mold Illness: The Silent Epidemic
What is Mold Illness?
You may think “oh I’m not allergic to mold - I don’t have to worry.” But mold illness and mold allergies are two entirely different health conditions. A mold allergy occurs when your body’s immune system has a reaction to mold spores that leads to symptoms such as itchy eyes, a runny nose, and sinus congestion. Mold illness is different in that it neither is caused by spores nor necessarily provokes a an allergic-type immune response. In fact, it typically suppresses immune function. Mold illness results from exposure to mycotoxins, or mold toxins, which can accumulate in the bodies of susceptible individuals and lead to a number of perplexing health problems associated with chronic inflammation. Mycotoxins are the toxins made by mold that it uses for defense against other organisms. Not all mycotoxins are harmful to humans, but some can be dangerous. Some of the mycotoxins associated with health problems in humans include Trichothecenes, Ochratoxin, Aflatoxin, and Gliotoxin, among others. These toxins accumulate in the body during mold illness and lead to a cascade of immune and hormonal dysregulation. Additionally, the mold associated with these toxins can begin to live within your sinuses, digestive tract, and respiratory system, where they continue to release more toxins over time. Mycotoxins also do not have an odor, meaning just because you don’t smell mold doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Just how prevalent is mold illness? We currently lack good data on this, but the following statistics help shed some light on how pervasive mold illness might be:
Up to 25 % of people have a genetic predisposition that makes it more difficult for their body to recognize and detoxify mold toxins. Even more individuals may have additional genetic mutations that make detoxification slower. Because of this, often I see that different individuals exposed to the same mold burden may have quite different reactions. Some people may not even feel ill at all, while others feel very sick.
Of the 21.8 million people with asthma in the US, 4.6 million cases are attributable to mold and dampness in the home. [1]
Three out of every four homes in the US have mold and water damage present. At least 45 million buildings in the US have unhealthy levels of mold present [2]
When to suspect Mold Illness
I think of mold illness in my patients whenever I am treating them for other problems and the treatments aren’t working as expected. Additionally, a mix of some of the following symptoms may arise:
Brain fog
Memory loss
Fatigue
Numbness & tingling
Digestive complaints
Severe new allergies, rashes, and flushing sensation
Multiple chemical sensitivity
EMF senstivity
Urinary frequency
Metallic taste
Poor reactions to many foods that seem inconsistent
Heart palpitations
Dizziness & lightheadedness
Headaches
Anxiety & depression
Swelling
Sinus congestion
Joint pain
Testing for Mold Illness
There are a few tests available for mycotoxins that are able to gauge the levels within a patient’s body and determine if thy are within a healthy range. These are urine-based tests which may be conducted in your own home with a provided kit. They require an order from a mold-literate physician.
Treatment of Mold Illness
My approach to mold illness is a careful, stepwise journey that helps get your body to adapt before the mold and its toxins can be removed from the body. If you move too fast, the treatment can provoke your symptoms and worsen your health. Being methodical ensures you will tolerate treatment well.
Reduce immune overreactions and inflammation
Use a supplement known as a “binder” to start mopping up mold toxins that are excreted in your bile to help get them out of your body
Use herbs, medications, or a mix of the two to ensure any mold populating the inside of your body is eliminated
Support additional organ systems as needed
Commonly Misdiagnosed Conditions that may be Mold Illness
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Lyme disease
Fibromyalgia
Dementia
Dysautonomia / POTS
ADHD
Depression
General Anxiety Disorder
Allergies
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Most physicians do not have the training to recognize and treat mold illness. This leads to the correct diagnosis being missed - often for years.
How to prevent mold in your home
Keep humidity levels between 30-50%
Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier whenever it is humid
Make sure your bathroom has an exhaust fan to be used while showering, and your kitchen has one to use while cooking
Promptly fix any leaks in your home’s roof and walls, as well as from appliances and plumbing
Avoid the use of carpet in basements and bathrooms where there tends to be more moisture [3]
References:
[1] https://www2.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/EETD-mold-risk.html