Mold Growth in the Lungs
If not addressed quickly, mold can become a serious problem and even threaten one’s health. But what if we told you that mold can grow in places besides your food, your home, or in the soil? What if we told you that mold can actually grow in your lungs? It’s true. Mold can actually grow in a person’s lungs and cause serious, long-term damage, especially Aspergillus, a mold that commonly grows in the soil.
Farmer’s Lung
The sensitivity to mold is known as HP or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The condition develops over time and is commonly known as “Farmer’s Lung.” Basically, it is an allergic reaction to the mold spores that are released into the air by hay and other crops. The spores attach themselves to dust particles in the air which are inhaled whenever a farmer is bailing hay or working his or her crops.
Up to 3/4 of million spores can be inhaled every minute or 12,500 spores inhaled per second. The symptoms of Farmer’s Lung tend to be the most severe right after exposure to the spores and will continue if left untreated. If you work around moldy crops on a regular basis, you’ll be more susceptible to Farmer’s Lung than those who don’t. In the U.S, 30% of all individuals disabled by respiratory illnesses are attributed to Farmer’s Lung. Thus, if anyone has respiratory issues, it is important to consult with a physician and get the requisite treatment done.
Symptoms that indicate Mold Growth in the Lungs
You may have subtle signs early on that you maybe pinning on other aspects in your life. However, there are several symptoms or warning signs that indicate that mold could be growing in your lungs including:
- chest pain
- congestion
- coughing
- coughing up blood
- fatigue
- fever
- headaches
- itchy, watery eyes
- joint pain
- lesions
- muscle pain
- night sweats
- weight loss
- wheezing
There are also 2 forms of lung fungi that you should be aware of – coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis. Both exhibit the same symptoms or warning signs. If you’ve been experiencing any of them, you should see your doctor immediately. Mold exposure is not a seasonal issue which means that you can experience these symptoms any time of the year. Furthermore, the nature, extent, and severity of your symptoms will depend on the condition of your immune system and if it’s been compromised.
The key is to keep mold away from you, your family, and your home. While allergies tend to be troublesome from late spring to midsummer, mold can be present throughout the year. To find out if you have a mold issue with your home and property, contact Florida Inspections Unlimited at 305-910-1171 and schedule a mold inspection today.