Do You Have a Cold, or is Your Poor Health Actually a Sign of Mold Sickness?
In the late fall and early winter it seems as if people around us are all falling ill with something. The flu, RSV, and even the common cold are really making their rounds this year. If you have kids in school, you will probably be hearing on a daily basis that someone was home sick, and someone else had a yucky nose. You may be seeing that co-worker after co-worker has to take the day off to get better. You may even be trying to fight off something as you read this. The big question is, what do you have? Is it the common cold that will subside on its own in a few days, or something more serious?
Mold exposure, sometimes referred to as mold sickness, is not uncommon. With many homes being well insulated but not well ventilated, moisture can increase to levels that make mold growth possible. Symptoms of mold exposure can vary greatly between individuals. In fact, there are families living in the same home where one individual will have a serious reaction to mold while others will have little if any issues.
There are a few symptoms of mold exposure that seem more common than others. People with mold exposure often have headaches, runny or stuffy noses, congestion, itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing. Did you notice something about that list? It seems very similar to a list you would see for the signs of the common cold. Because the symptoms for the common cold and mold sickness can be similar, mold sickness is often thought to simply be the common cold.
There are a few signs that occur that may make it more probable that you have mold sickness. First, is there a musty smell somewhere in your home? There are plenty of times when mold is present when homeowners do not smell anything amiss, but if you do happen to smell a musty smell and you have many of the symptoms listed above, you may not be dealing with the common cold.
Another sign that your issues may not be attributed to the common cold is based on their duration. Some colds last longer than others but if your cold seems to last beyond the length of time that colds normally last, you could be dealing with mold sickness.
It goes without saying that using the internet and articles to self-diagnose a condition is not a good idea, but if you start to see these signs of mold sickness it is a good idea to bring up your symptoms with a doctor. A doctor can help you to determine what is ailing you and the best way to help you to feel better. If there is any reason to believe that there is mold in your home it is a good idea to consult Mold Solutions by Cowleys. We can inspect your home, and if mold is found, remove it, making your house a healthier place for both people who are experiencing the symptoms of mold sickness and those who are not.
