I have a fear I have been exposed to mold

[nolow]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum or not, but I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. I replaced my Mom's roof over the summer after I graduated from college. I just wanted to help her before I found a job. Well, I noticed that there was this white mold/fungus on the shingles. The manufacturer didn't store the product correctly, so mold was growing on it. After installing the roof, I developed a cough that would not go away. It produced yellow phlegm. I went to the doctor and he said I had allergies. This was strange because I have never had allergies before. I attributed to all of the debris that I inhaled during the roofing process. Well, the cough went away, but I am still experiencing other symptoms. One of them being I have a stuffy nose and red eyes all day. I guess I still have allergies. That isn't the worst symptoms though. I have visual snow, and cognitive problems. I have memory loss and fell disoriented at times. I am also making stupid mistakes, almost like I am an air head. I feel like my IQ has decreased. I graduated with honors from a top university and now, I have trouble remembering everything I did yesterday. I am not sure if it is the mold or what. I guess I'm looking to find out if there is any cure, or what I need to do. I haven't even attempted to find a job since the roofing project, because I do not have the drive. It is almost like a switch was turned off in me.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

There are specific tests for blood and sputum and also skin tests to identify a fungal infection.

You should ask for a complete blood work and also a chest xray for sure.

Let us know what the reports say.

Regards.

[nolow]

I was first misdiagnosed with bronchitis. I was prescribed antibiotics for it, but the cough never went away. I went to a second doctor who said I had allergies and prescribed Singulair and some nasal mist (Afrin and Astilin). I took the medication and it cleared up my congestion, but the cough remained. The cough finally went away for some unknown reason.  The congestion and red eyes do not bother me that much; it is the cognitive problems that are really troubling. I asked for a chest xray, but both of the doctors said it was unnecessary. The cough has subsided now. What type of blood test should I ask for? Is there something that would detect fungal antibodies?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could have developed an allergic reaction to the mold substance after inhaling some of it.

Have you got a chest xray done as yet?

It would help to consult your physician and talk to him/her in detail about the symptoms you are experiencing and get a proper clinical examination and relevant investigations done. You would need a blood test and chest xray most importantly.

Have you taken any medications as yet for your symptoms? You  should try warm saline gargles and steam inhalation and see if it helps. You would probably also need a course of antibiotics for the symptoms you describe.

Let us know how you are doing and also what your doctor advises.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.