How do you clean your lungs of mold?

This alternative treatment, also known as halotherapy, involves breathing salty air. People use this treatment to address many respiratory symptoms. Limited 2021 research suggests salt therapy and saline nasal rinses may help treat respiratory symptoms caused by damp indoor conditions and exposure to some molds.

healthline.com - How to Detox Your Body from Mold: Signs and Treatment of Mold Toxicity

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Share on Pinterest Getty Images/marrio31 If you’ve ever dealt with a mold infestation, you might have had some concerns about the effects of mold exposure on your health. Perhaps you even wondered if you needed to take steps to purge mold’s effects from your body. Mold is fairly common. According to 2016 research, anywhere from 10% to 50% of indoor living spaces in many parts of the world host significant amounts of mold growth. Molds are also a normal part of the outdoor environment. For this reason, it’s not really possible to avoid all exposure to molds. Many people point to black mold as the key culprit of mold-induced maladies, from brain fog to autoimmune conditions. But a 2017 review suggests that little evidence supports this claim. Plus, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes, mold color doesn’t always determine its toxicity. What most people consider black mold may actually be many different species, in fact. Exposure to mold spores can cause symptoms for people with mold allergy and respiratory conditions like asthma. For others, mold can sometimes be an irritant. In rare cases, mold can cause infections or other serious reactions. Some molds also have the potential to produce toxic agents called mycotoxins. Some mycotoxins can make people sick, but experts are not sure how often mycotoxin exposure actually leads to illness. To be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid breathing in large amounts of mold, for instance if you’re cleaning up after major water damage. In rare cases, some people may need medical treatment due to the effects of mold exposure. But there’s no evidence that “detoxing” from mold is necessary or effective. Below, you’ll find details on possible health effects of mold, plus some guidance on when it’s time to get medical treatment. How can mold affect your health? If you have a compromised immune system or preexisting respiratory condition, you may have a higher chance of experiencing a mold-related health condition. Allergies A 2015 review estimates that 3 to 10 percent of people have a higher sensitivity to the effects of mold. If you have mold sensitivity, you might show signs of an allergic reaction, including itching skin and a watery nose and eyes, when exposed. Research emphasizes that it often proves challenging to distinguish between mold allergies and sensitivity to other common allergens, like dust, pollen, and pet dander. A healthcare professional may recommend a skin prick test to determine whether mold has triggered your allergic symptoms. Limited 2016 research also suggests a tentative link between exposure to certain indoor factors, including dampness and mold, in the uterus or during infancy and increased allergies during childhood. However, there is no evidence that early mold exposure is the underlying cause of allergies in children. Asthma According to research from 2017 , exposure to mold or dampness as an infant may be associated with developing asthma as a teen and experiencing persistent asthma. But more studies are needed to find out if there’s a causal link between mold and asthma. Asthma can cause episodes of wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It may also increase sensitivity to things that can irritate your respiratory system, like: air pollution

strong scents

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cold weather

viruses that affect the respiratory system And even if mold doesn’t directly cause asthma, exposure to the types of mold likely to cause irritation can still trigger an asthma attack. Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes flu-like symptoms, chest pain, and trouble breathing. Its many causes include bacteria, viruses, and, in rare cases, mold. Research from 2021 highlights specific people who may have a greater chance of developing mold-induced pneumonia: people taking medications that suppress the immune system

people with cancer receiving chemotherapy

people who have received an organ or bone marrow transplant Eczema Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes itchy rashes to break out on the skin. According to a 2021 study, having a diagnosed sensitivity to mold is associated with more severe symptoms of eczema. Eczema involves dysfunction of your skin barrier, which could leave your skin more sensitive and reactive to potential allergens like mold. Brain health No scientific studies have found a direct link between mold exposure and behavioral symptoms, like memory loss or fatigue. One 2020 animal study found that exposure to both toxic and nontoxic mold spores interfered with the production of neurons, or brain cells, in mice. This could contribute to issues like: memory loss

slow reaction time

difficulty processing emotions

vision problems However, the dose of mold in this study was much higher than would be expected in typical exposures, like inhaling mold spores in a moldy room. More studies are needed before any claims can be made about connections between mold exposure and cognitive symptoms. Do I need to get medical treatment? In many cases, exposure to mold doesn’t require medical treatment. If you experience cold-like symptoms after exposure to mold, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether mold allergy could be contributing to your symptoms. Mold should be removed from indoor spaces whenever possible. But symptoms of mold allergy may persist even after removal, because mold is commonly found in the outdoor environment. Generally speaking, your overall risk of long-term health effects related to mold exposure is fairly low. That said, experts still have more to learn about the possible health effects of mold exposure. For this reason, it’s best to avoid long-term exposure to indoor mold. Whenever possible, you should remove mold from spaces you spend time in, and address sources of moisture that could contribute to indoor mold. Reaching out to a healthcare professional may be a good option if you: have a compromised immune system due to another health condition

have significant trouble breathing

live with cystic fibrosis

have allergic symptoms which could be triggered by mold As for a mold detox? Contrary to some beliefs, there’s typically no need to go on a cleanse or detox in order to heal your body after exposure to mold. Here’s why: When functioning optimally, your body constantly detoxes itself — and it’s very efficient at this task. How can I address mold exposure? If you have symptoms due to mold exposure, treatments will differ depending on the underlying cause. Your doctor may suggest prescription options, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, or home remedies. Medical treatments If you have a severe reaction to mold or live with a condition that makes you more vulnerable to mold exposure, it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor to find the most effective treatment for your needs. If you’re having a serious allergic reaction or difficulty breathing, get emergency help right away. Antifungal medications If you have a compromised immune system or an infection due to mold exposure, a healthcare professional might prescribe an antifungal medication like voriconazole, according to a 2015 review . Allergy shots While allergy shots are sometimes used to address mold allergy, this approach is controversial. There are no strong studies showing that these shots are effective for mold allergy. However, your doctor might consider allergy shots to reduce symptoms if mold allergies are causing regular allergic reactions. At-home remedies If you have mild allergic symptoms due to mold exposure, certain at-home treatments might help. OTC medications Using a nasal spray or taking an antihistamine could help reduce mild allergic symptoms and discomfort from mold exposure. You can find these medications at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Sweating Some traditional approaches recommend sweating, or using a sauna, to support the body’s elimination of waste products. But research is limited, and it’s not clear whether sweating is effective and safe for this purpose. There’s also no evidence that sweating can help address the effects of mold. Salt therapy This alternative remedy, also known as halotherapy, involves breathing salty air. Some people believe this strategy can have benefits for respiratory symptoms. However, there isn’t enough evidence to recommend this approach. Activated charcoal Some proponents of mold detoxes claim activated charcoal will bind to mycotoxins, allowing you to detox after exposure. While doctors do use activated charcoal to treat cases of poisoning, no research currently backs up the claim that charcoal helps with the effects of mold exposure. If you want to try this approach, it’s important to talk with your doctor first. How to get rid of mold in your home Experts note that treating the health impacts of mold will prove less than effective if mold remains in your environment. For this reason, removing mold from your home is just as important as treating any of its physical effects. You can do this by: enlisting the help of a professional who can inspect your living area and identify mold growth

removing moisture from the environment using a dehumidifier

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using fans and opening windows to air out areas that tend to get damp, like bathrooms replacing carpets, drywall, and insulation in your home if you can’t remove the mold using soap or a bleach solution to clean mold from nonporous surfaces like countertops and sinks If you need to clean up a large amount of mold, wear long sleeves and pants, and use protective gear including an N95 respirator and gloves.

healthline.com - How to Detox Your Body from Mold: Signs and Treatment of Mold Toxicity

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