A BBC Morning Live regular, Dr Oscar Duke, is warning that although rare, it is possible to get an infection due ot your home. Talking about mould, he stresses that it could be causing more issues than just making your home look bad.
Some of these symptoms resemble the likes of a cold or flu with signs inclduing a high temperature and a cough. He explains: “The mould is normally caused by a fungus. The fungus releases something called spores.
“That particularly nasty-looking black mould releases the spores into the air and those spores can really irritate any where that they come into contact with. So some people find that it irritates their skin, it might flare their eczema.
“If it’s going into your nose and eyes, then that can cause similar symptoms to hay fever so you get inflammation in the nasal passages, itchy eyes and it tend to become more serious if it starts to go down lungs.”
This is particularly true “if you’re somebody who suffers with lung diseases like asthma.” He then stresses that if it does this, it can become a trigger to “cause more airway inflammation”.
Warning people about Aspergillosis, he says that this type of infection can be “tricky to treat” – especially if you have a weakened immune system This is condition caused by aspergillus mould. There are several different types of aspergillosis. Most affect the lungs and cause breathing difficulties, the NHS warns.
He does however caution: “I should say that really bad infections from fungus are fortunately rare unless you have particular reasons for being susceptible” noting there are cases of people dying from these types of infections.
ain fog, headaches, feeling rundown and tired – so it’s well worth thinking about” whether fungus fungus could be causing the symptoms you’re having.
How you get aspergillosis?
The mould is found in lots of places, including:
- soil, compost and rotting leaves
- plants, trees and crops
- dust
- bedding
- damp buildings
- air conditioning systems
“You cannot catch aspergillosis from someone else or from animals”, warns the NHS with them backing up what Doctor Oscar has said adding that this infection is “rare in healthy people.”
Am I at risk of aspergillosis?
You could be at risk if you have:
- a lung condition, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- a weakened immune system (for example, if you’ve had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy)
- had tuberculosis (TB) in the past
- had severe flu or COVID-19 and needed help breathing with artificial ventilation
What are the signs and symptoms of aspergillosis?
Some of these symptoms may be mistaken for another illness such as a cold or the flu. These signs include:
- shortness of breath
- a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus
- wheezing
- a high temperature
- losing weight without trying
- feeling tired
If you already have a lung condition, your symptoms may get worse. It could be time to see your GP if this is the case.
How can I tell if it’s mould causing my symptoms?
Dr Oscar acknowledges that identifying the cause can be challenging. He advises: “If you’re having any time away from your home, so you might be going for a holiday or staying with friends, if you can keep a diary of when you get your symptoms and if you can find there’s an association between when you’re at home and when you’re away from the house, that might help you.”
He also mentions that pets, particularly cats, could be triggering symptoms, so it’s important to rule out potential allergens. However, he emphasises that if your symptoms are significantly impacting your life, you should discuss them with your GP or healthcare professional.
Do I need to see a GP?
You should see a GP if:
- you have a cough for more than 3 weeks
- you have a lung condition that’s getting worse or harder to control with your usual treatment
- you have a weakened immune system and symptoms of aspergillosis
Please call 111 if you cough up blood. You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
How can I remove damp or mould?
Health experts at NHS inform say that finding the cause is key before you tackle anything. They suggest: “You may need to get a professional to remove mould for you. But, if it’s only a small amount you may be able to remove it yourself.
“It’s important to wear gloves and a facemask if you’re removing mould. Always open a window if you’re using bleach products to remove it.”
How can I prevent mould in my home?
try and not dry your laundry in your bedroom or living areas, if possible – ideally dry it outside or in a tumble dryer. You should also never open your windows if there’s construction work or digging outside.
Instead:
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try to avoid places where aspergillus mould is often found, such as compost heaps and piles of dead leaves
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open your windows several times a day to air your rooms, especially if you’re cooking or using a shower
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wear a face mask in dusty places or when you’re gardening
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consider using a dehumidifier and an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home
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keep your house heated at between 18 and 21C in cold weather