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Skin rash associated with building-related illness, possibly mold exposure (C) InspectAPediaDo I Need to See a Mold Doctor?

Do I Need a Mold Doctor?

This article discusses the decision to consult a physician who has expertise in mold and mold related illness.

We suggest a few questions to ask your doctor about the possibility of building-related illness, we include a list of physicians with expertise in mold and environmental medicine, and we provide a article series that can help you assess the risk of mold related illness in a building.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Do I Need to see a Mold Doctor?

Stachybotrys spores (left) and structure (right)Mold "mildew," moisture, in your house or office, building-related illness, involves your physician, medical treatment, sick building investigators, possibly professional cleaning companies, steps to reduce the future creation of mold or other indoor irritants, and possibly the special products to help clean buildings and air.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Bottom line: start by discussing your health and environmental concerns with your personal physician.

Quoting from the Center for Environmental Medicine (Portland OR) - The decision you and your doctor make about your treatment will grow out of the careful assessment of your particular needs, adequate laboratory testing, frank discussions, and your expectations.

You will need to consider your responsibilities and commitment as well as the benefits you will achieve. The content found on this site is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure. It does not provide or constitute professional advice or consultation.

When should you consult with physicians and knowledgeable indoor environment experts?

If you suspect that your building is making you sick, particularly if you are someone at extra risk, such as asthmatic, allergic to mold, undergoing cancer treatment, immuno-suppressed, immunocompromised, immune impaired, elderly, or infant, it is certainly smart to consult with a physician who is experienced in mold related illness or an expert in environmental medicine.

We have encountered clients living in very moldy, high-risk environments who suffer respiratory or other illnesses, and who, on consult with their physician, were given palliative care but for whom the question of an environmental contributor to their complaint was never raised.

Remember to ask your doctor, allergist, pulmonologist, or G.P. if s/he thinks that your living or work environment could be a cause or contributor to your complaints.

A simple clue that suggests that one may be suffering from building related illness is the abatement of symptoms when the person with the complaint spends time out of the building. However the converse - when symptoms do not abate - does not rule out a building as a contributor to the complaints.

Some mold-related illness symptoms are slow to diminish, and more than one building can contribute to complaints. Proving with scientific accuracy that a substance in a building has actually caused or aggravated a specific illness is a difficult and costly procedure.

A common approach taken by building diagnosticians who are considering whether or not mold in a building is (or could be) making someone sick is simply to look for substances which are believed likely to cause or aggravate illnesses and complaints. If such materials are present at significant levels they should be removed.

Some People Should Stay Away From Even Small Mold Cleanup Operations

Moldy ceiling (C) Daniel FriedmanIf you are sick, asthmatic, immune-impaired, suffer from COPD or other respiratory illness, before attempting any mold cleanup yourself you should see your family doctor, allergist, pulmonologist, medical toxicologist, or other appropriate specialist to discuss the chances that the environment might cause or contribute to or aggravate your illness.

If you suspect that your illness is caused by or aggravated by conditions in your building you should discuss that with your physician.

Our field investigation photo (left) shows multiple genera/species of more than "cosmetic" mold that was found throughout a large basement ceiling. Unlike the mold case depicted in our page top photo, this area and possibly this entire home are likely to be a health hazard to almost anyone.

And if you are yourself or if people with these characteristics are present: elderly, immune impaired, infant, asthmatic, suffer from COPD or other respiratory or immune disorders or any illness that could be aggravated by exposure to respiratory irritants, VOC's, allergens, mycotoxins, etc., you should be wary of allowing any handling moldy or dusty materials without first checking with your doctor.

Medical relocation of certain high-risk building occupants may be needed before moldy materials are disturbed.

MOLD / ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERT, HIRE ? contains more discussion of evaluating mold risk in buildings for sensitive individuals or people at extra risk of mold related illness.

Mold Sickness References - mold related illness articles you'll want to review

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2019-04-23 by (mod) -

Deborah

just above where you see

Continue reading at MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE - directory, or select a topic from closely-related articles below, or see our complete INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES below.

Click on that live link and you'll find directories of doctors specializing in mold and other environmental-related illness.

Find a doctor you trust, then listen to your doctor. If you are not confident in your doctor diagnosing COPD then you could also start by asking that doc for a local referral.

I agree with you that if dogs are dying in a home that's suspected of or is known to be mold-contaminated, a doctor who does not consider that a health concern either doesn't believe she's getting accurate information or is perhaps missing something important.

On 2019-04-23 by Deborah

Please help me my friend is very sick from mold 3 dogs over 100lbs each are now dead doctors keep saying he has copd when in fact it is mold poisoning nothing they do has helped my friend he is going to die can’t find doctor for mold poisoning that will take insurance my friend is elderly and lives in sourthern californua please help my email is twosoxgoodboy@gmail.com

On 2019-03-27 by Shirley

@Anonymous,
If you live in Arizona, you're very lucky to be close to an excellent Doctor. Contact Dr Michael Gray

On 2018-08-31 by (mod) -

Summer

We have also corresponded by private email. There I noted that I'll be glad to assist though what I can do by e-text is very limited.

I'm unclear how a urine test would diagnose a mold related illness, but more-important, your sister needs to find a primary care doctor whom she trusts and be guided by that doctor's expertise.

Otherwise you / we risk making the bad mistake of amateur self-diagnosis that can not only fail to help but can make matters worse.

On 2018-08-31 by Anonymous

@Summer,
Please help me she has no income no insurance and no one will help me , I am desperate ,

Please contact me at my email if u can help us a

Barbiedoll8588@aol,com

On 2018-08-31 by Summer

@Anonymous,

Please help me my sister is so sick we cannot get help she has lost 37. Lbs n near death she has nothing left to give we need help please help me

Tn

On 2014-09-17 by Anonymous

How do we find a specialist for black mold poisoning? 2 people seriously ill in Scottsdale, Az. No scams!


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Continue reading at MOLD DOCTORS - ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE - directory, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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MOLD DOCTOR NEEDED ? at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


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