Mold exposure is an unfortunate but common issue for households, especially in areas with high humidity or poor ventilation. As a result, one common question we hear is whether mold exposure can cause sinus infections.
Sadly, the answer is that mold exposure can indeed lead to sinus infections, particularly a variation called fungal sinusitis.
With that in mind, here's what you need to know about mold-related sinus infections and the importance of utilizing mold remediation services like FDP Mold Remediation of Baltimore to keep you and your family healthy.
Fungal sinusitis is a sinus infection frequently caused by elements like yeast or mold. These infections are typically caused by inhaling mold spores in the area, leading to inflammation and infection.
There are many types of fungal sinusitis, though the most prevalent form is chronic invasive fungal sinusitis. This type occurs when mold spores invade your sinus tissue, resulting in chronic inflammation.
It's important to note that you're more likely to develop fungal sinusitis if you have a weakened immune system or a history of mold allergies.
While fungal sinusitis is specifically caused by elements like yeast and mold, it can be helpful to know about a few other kinds of sinus infections. After all, these infections are treated differently - you don't want to treat a mold-related virus like you would a bacterial infection, for example.
Viral sinus infections are the most common types of sinus infections. These occur when a virus infects your nasal cavities and is usually caused by viral upper respiratory infections. Viral sinus infections can't be helped with antibiotics; instead, they go away on their own.
Bacterial sinus infections are also called bacterial rhinosinusitis. These infections can be caused in various ways, including previous colds, nasal polyps, seasonal allergies, and exposure to smoke. Treatments for bacterial sinus infections are usually antibiotics.
Mold allergy symptoms are usually quite similar to sinus infections and can include:
Finding an appropriate way to treat mold allergy is important as soon as you suspect this may be the cause of your health problems.
The good news is that fungal sinusitis is a relatively rare illness - at least when compared to viral or bacterial sinus infections. But even though it's less common, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be concerned. You should be aware of the possibility of fungal sinusitis, especially if you or your family members are immuno-compromised.
Since mold allergy symptoms closely mimic other sinus infections, properly diagnosing fungal sinusitis can be difficult.
Thankfully, healthcare providers have various tools and resources they rely on to provide an accurate diagnosis, such as:
Each of these resources can help identify the presence of fungal sinusitis. Though in some cases, collecting a sinus culture or biopsy may be necessary to confirm the presence of mold spores.
If you suspect your sinus problems were caused by mold, you must take action immediately.
Your first step should be contacting a medical provider to discuss your symptoms and concerns. If they determine that your symptoms were likely caused by mold, they can help you determine your best course of action to treat mold allergy.
Next, you should contact a professional mold remediation service, like FDP Mold Remediation of Baltimore, for a home or workplace assessment. During the assessment, we can detect whether mold is present in your space and take the necessary steps to remove it. By eliminating mold, we can help you prevent further health issues.
Now you know the symptoms of fungal sinusitis and the dangers of mold exposure. To keep you and your family healthy, it's vital to seek help from mold remediation services like FDP Mold Remediation. Don't risk experiencing the harm that fungal sinusitis can do to your body. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to receive professional assistance in removing mold from your home or office.
