Black Mold and Strep Throat | What Homeowners Need to Know
Black mold and strep throat appear unrelated but are serious health issues. Black mold is a fungus that grows in damp places like a basement, bathroom, or any place with a water leak. This fungus produces spores that float and influence indoor air quality. Bacteria cause strep throat, a fast-spreading infection characterized by sore throats, fever, and many other symptoms.
Black mold can aggravate respiratory complications, and its presence may even cause throat infections like strep. Thus, homeowners should know both to keep their houses healthy and safe.
Black Mold Symptoms
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a mold that forms in a blackish-green colour at places affected by water. It often feels slippery, and its color ranges from dark green to black. It is usually associated with a heavy, squawky, musky smell.
Here are some common symptoms of black mold exposure:
- Coughing: Black mold induces dry coughing, which, if left persistent, continues to increase in severity.
- Runny or Stuffy Nose: Mold inhalation can lead to nasal passage inflammation, resulting in a runny or stuffy nose.
- Itchy, Red Eyes: Mold spores might also cause itching, watering, or redness of the eyes.
- Headaches: Spending long hours in mold-afflicted facilities commonly causes headaches.
- Wheezing or Trouble Breathing: Breathing can be difficult for those with asthma or other breathing issues, who may develop symptoms such as wheezing or chest constriction.
If you detect any of these symptoms or mold, the time has come to start cleaning your house. Moreover, proper ventilation can prevent mold growth.
Signs and Symptoms of Strep throat
Strep throat is caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes. It spreads through droplets in the air or by touching infected surfaces. While mold doesn’t cause strep throat, mold exposure can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to catch infections.
The main signs and symptoms of strep throat include:
- Sore Throat: Strep throat often causes a sudden, painful sore throat.
- Red, Swollen Tonsils: The tonsils may look red and swollen and sometimes have white patches or pus.
- Fever: A high fever, usually over 101°F, often comes with strep throat.
- Swollen Neck Glands: The glands in your neck may feel sore or swollen.
- Pain with Swallowing: Swallowing food or water can be painful because of throat soreness.
See a doctor if you or someone in your home has these symptoms. Strep throat usually needs antibiotic treatment to prevent more severe health issues.
What are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?
Mold exposure has many symptoms that can affect the skin, nails, lungs, nose, throat, and eyes of individuals surrounded by it.
People’s responses to exposure to molds vary. Somea, including those with allergies, asthma, or a low immune system, may be more sensitive to salt and baking soda’s uses and effects. Here are some common symptoms of mold exposure:
- Stuffy Nose and Sinus Pain: These spores have consequences that affect breathing and produce pain behind the sinuses.
- Skin Rash or Itching: Mold can cause some people to have a rash, itchy, or dry skin.
- Fatigue: Mold exposure can cause fatigue even if one does not sleep properly at night.
- Trouble Focusing: Sometimes, people develop memory or focus problems due to mold exposure.
If you and your family have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor to help remove mold from your home. Repairing leaks, eliminating mold and Source moisture, and ventilating the house are important steps toward having a healthy house.
Mold Removal Services In St Charles
If you’re dealing with mold in your home or business in St. Charles, professional mold removal services can help restore your space and protect your health. Mold often grows in damp or humid areas, releasing spores that can cause respiratory issues, allergies, and other health risks. Professional mold removal services in St. Charles use specialized equipment to identify mold sources, contain the affected areas, and safely remove all mold growth. Technicians also treat surfaces to prevent future growth and improve indoor air quality. For the safety of your household, addressing mold promptly with expert assistance is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can black mold make you sick?
Black mold can make you sick, primarily if you breathe in its spores over time. It can cause symptoms like coughing, headaches, and breathing problems, particularly in people with allergies or asthma. water heater leak cleanup service in St Charles or elsewhere. The final step is to clean the area affected by the leak.
2. How harmful is black mold?
Black mold can be harmful, especially in large amounts or poorly ventilated spaces. Prolonged exposure may lead to serious respiratory issues, allergies, and skin irritation.
3. How quickly can black mold affect you?
Black mold can affect you quickly if you have a sensitivity or allergy, with symptoms appearing in a few hours to days. For others, it may take more prolonged exposure before symptoms develop.
4. Who does the condition affect?
Black mold exposure affects everyone, but people with asthma, allergies, young children, and older adults are more vulnerable to its effects.
5. What happens if you breathe in black mold?
Black mold can cause coughing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and, in severe cases, respiratory infections or worsening of asthma symptoms.