Sometimes a patient will come in with a multitude of symptoms, but none of which fit together to form a possible diagnosis. I then need to dig deeper into the history and gather more information. Maybe their house was flooded not so long before they became sick, or they feel better when they are on a business trip or vacation. Often a light bulb will go off: Could this patient be mold toxic?
Many people know that molds can cause allergies, with symptoms like hay fever, or that they can irritate the lungs and other parts of the body. But most are not aware of the toxic effects molds can have. Molds produce toxins known as mycotoxins, which can cause a wide range of troubling symptoms such as joint and muscle pains, fatigue, night sweats, leaky gut, trouble sleeping, poor memory, word finding problems, brain fog, depression, skin rashes, numbness and tingling of extremities, tremors, unexplained weight gain or loss, unusual pain, and static shocks. It doesn’t end there -- molds can also cause cancer, kidney disease, and suppress the immune system, and have been linked to Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and obesity.
So, where are all these molds lurking? Molds are part of the environment; when found outdoors, they are helpful by breaking down dead organic matter like fallen leaves. Indoor mold growth, however, can cause real health problems when inhaled, ingested, or via direct skin contact. Mold needs moisture to grow so if there is any water damage in a building, like a leak, mold can start to take over. Building materials like drywall provide nutrition for the mold, and poor ventilation does not allow for dilution or dehumidification to help prevent mold growth. Sometimes the mold can be hidden on places like the backside of wall paper, the underside of carpets, or around a pipe with condensation located inside a wall. Often mold gives off a musty odor--which tips us off--but other times a patient’s history and exam coupled with some lab tests will point towards mold exposure, and then we need to look for the source. Not everyone exposed to mold will have the same reaction. Many times one family member can be affected while the others have no symptoms. There is a genetic susceptibility to mold illness.
Diagnosing toxic mold illness is not straightforward or standardized. We may run blood and urine tests, among others, for signs of mold and markers of inflammation. As with most environmental illnesses, the most important part of treatment is getting away from the source of toxicity. Find the source of the mold, get away from it and remediate it if possible. It is also extremely important to help the body detoxify the mycotoxins and eliminate them. This can include nutrients and supplements to support detoxification, like glutathione, as well as binders that escort toxins out of the body, and making sure there are daily bowel movements. Infra-red sauna is another way to get toxins out. Here they exit the skin through sweat. In some cases antifungals are necessary.
Prevention is truly key. Start by keeping humidity indoors low. Clean up any leaks or water damage within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. Trust your nose and deal with that musty basement. Mold toxicity is a serious illness, but once recognized, a person can start down the road to recovery.