Mold

Last summer at my new company - there was mold in the basement and one of the offices - they took it out while we were in the building.  We moved from that building at the end of November and we pulled bck some wall paper in the office and it was covered in mold.  While in that building my eyes and nose bothered me.  Since the move I have been sick with ear infections, sinus infections, and broncittis ~ I have been on all kinds of medication.  3 months later I am starting to feel better but I am having breathing problems.  I went to a Pulmonology specialist and he had no clue as to why I was still having breathing problems except for maybe I should loose weight - I am by no means way over weight.  I am 5'5' and weight 145 (normal weight 130/135) but I haven't been able to go to the gym because I have been so sick.  Could my problem stem from the mold?  If so what type of doctor should I be going to?  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Mold exposure has little chances of causing such symptoms.However you can get it confirmed by getting blood test like RAST done which measure the antibodies produced in response to allergens.

The other possibilities are of asthma and obstructive sleep apnea.Pls get your pulmonary function tests done to confirm the diagnosis. Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted.

[rosie146]

I have now gone to an allergist and my mold and dust levels are very high and I am now allergic to them.  At age 53 I have never had allergies, could of all mold and now construction at the work place of done it?  I am now on an inhaler, which is helping and I'm going for more tests on April 1.  

[rosie146]

What about sick building could that be my problems?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Symptoms of sick building syndrome range from specific symptoms such as itchy eyes, skin rashes, and nasal allergy symptoms, to more vague symptoms such as fatigue, aches and pains, and sensitivity to odours.

Mold and dust exposure are important causes in sick building syndrome and if you have been found allergic to them,then chances of them causing such symptoms can be there.Pls get it confirmed from an allergist/respiratory physician and get asthma also ruled out.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.