Many homeowners struggle with hidden indoor moisture issues every year
When your home has mold, you might start sneezing a lot and feel like your airways are congested. Mold exposure also causes skin irritation. Find the source of the moisture and address it to save yourself from dangerous complications.
According to a Consumer Affairs article, 1 in 60 homeowners file a property damage claim due to water damage or freezing each year.
If your home recently flooded due to the rain or a pipe leak, you need to be on the lookout for hidden water damage. Ignoring mold and hoping it will go away on its own is very risky.
How Do I Deal With Mold in My House?
Determine where the moisture is coming from and fix the issue. If you have some leaky pipes, you need to replace or repair them. You also shouldn't remove mold without addressing basement moisture issues first.
Household products can remove mold from hard surfaces. Call a professional if it has already spread to these areas:
- Your ceiling
- Drywall
- Carpets
Once you address mold-related issues with the help of Highwater Restoration, you'll have peace of mind. You won't have to keep dealing with recurring growth.
Can You Heal From Mold Toxicity?
Yes. Avoid exposing yourself to mold if you want your health to improve. The speed at which you recover will depend on:
- How long you were exposed to the mold
- Your overall health
- The symptoms you've been experiencing
- Whether you have allergies or asthma
Always consult a doctor if your symptoms aren't going away despite removing the mold. They'll do tests to figure out if you're dealing with another health issue.
Symptoms of Mold Exposure You Should Know
Do you feel like your allergies only flare up when you're at home and never when you're outside? There's a chance you have mold in your home. Spotting the signs and getting treatment early will help you get the indoor allergen relief you've been longing for.
Coughing and Wheezing
Dealing with a cough that never goes away no matter what you do can be frustrating. You might keep trying several home remedies without seeing any change. Coughing frequently will eventually strain your muscles and irritate your throat.
Test your home for mold before you give up. Being exposed to it can irritate your airways and cause other mold health risks.
Focus on hidden areas when inspecting your home for mold. Your HVAC might be spreading mold in your home even if you can't see it. After attic mold removal, your cough will probably go away without you taking any medication.
Sneezing and Congestion
It's also common for people dealing with mold exposure to sneeze a lot. Such signs often show up after spending time in rooms that have a musty smell.
Try changing your environment for a few days to see if you'll feel better. If you travel and wake up without any congestion, consider calling a pro to inspect your home. After they remove the mold, you'll breathe better and feel more comfortable, too.
Itchy or Watery Eyes
Mold spores can easily irritate your eyes and cause you to constantly rub them. Instead of assuming you have an eye problem, get an exam. A doctor can help you figure out if you're experiencing these issues because of mold exposure:
- Red eyes
- Itching
- Watery eyes
Even if you have an eye problem, you shouldn't ignore irritation, especially if you're also sneezing frequently. The exposure could be worsening the symptoms you already had.
Skin Irritation
Mold easily irritates sensitive skin. When you first notice the symptoms, you may think you're reacting to:
- A new detergent
- Pet dander
- A new soap or skincare product
If your skin is mostly itchy or develops a rash after being in a damp environment, that's a sign of mold exposure.
Inspect your space just to be sure. Noting down the areas where you see mold spots or peeling paint can help you narrow down the source of the moisture.
Worsening Asthma Symptoms
If you have asthma, mold will make your symptoms harder to control. You might start feeling worse despite doing all you can to stay away from other allergens.
Try to remember when you first noticed a huge shift in your health. If it happened at the same time you found a leak in your home or spent time in your basement, there's probably mold there.
Don't stop following your asthma treatment plan even if your symptoms have worsened. Consulting your doctor can help you determine if you need new medication. They may recommend other remedies to alleviate your symptoms in the meantime as you give your body time to recover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Air Purifiers Remove Mold?
Not fully. Your home will smell fresher, and your allergies might improve after you get an air purifier.
It still doesn't remove the moisture causing mold growth. Treat the contaminated areas so you can stop the spores from spreading into other areas of your home.
How Quickly Will the Symptoms Show?
It depends. Some people start showing symptoms a few hours after being around mold. Others will probably feel fine for weeks.
They might only show signs after being in the affected area for a long time.
You shouldn't dismiss the possibility of mold exposure just because other people in your household don't have the same symptoms as you.
Can I Prevent Mold From Growing After a Flood?
Yes. Ensure you totally dry all your items as soon as possible. If you leave them wet, mold will start growing on them.
Once you remove the excess water, ensure there's proper airflow in your home. Don't wait for a musty smell to look for mold. It might have already started affecting your health by then.
Protect Your Health
Mold exposure is quite dangerous for your health. Get a checkup if you've been sneezing, coughing, or developing rashes without any clear reason.
When experts remove mold from your home, you'll notice a huge improvement in your well-being. You also need to watch out for signs of water damage after a leak or flood. A simple inspection can save you from health issues and property losses.
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