Symptoms of Long-Term Black Mold Exposure

Black mold exposure is responsible for many health problems. Long-term exposure can cause or contribute to many serious illnesses. Look for black mold as an underlying problem if any of these health conditions persist.

Mold-Induced Asthma

Long-term black mold exposure can lead to mold-induced asthma. Common symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing.

Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

In allergic fungal sinusitis, the mold fungus goes into the sinus passages and grows into a "fungal ball" that causes infection.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

This is a fungal infection of the lungs, caused by mold, and typically found in those with asthma or cystic fibrosis.

Acute Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemorrhage

This condition, resulting from long-term black mold exposure, causes bleeding lungs in infants. Bleeding in the lungs can also occur in adults.

Other Symptoms Caused by Long-Term Black Mold Exposure

Long-term black mold exposure can also cause other symptoms, including skin rashes, fatigue, nausea, headache and fever.

Risk Factors

Certain health conditions increase the risk for developing complications from long-term mold exposure. These include chronic lung problems, such as COPD, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

References

• Mold Allergy Complications
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Information on Mold