The threat to a person’s health that black mold exposure holds is quite real, particularly to those with respiratory problems. Mold removal experts counsel that if anyone has symptoms of black mold poisoning he or she ought to seek the help of a physician and get treatment; the sooner the better. Fortunately, there are a number of black mold treatment options available.
The old adage, “Prevention is better than cure” is a good one to follow. Black mold thrives on moisture and in dark places. Routine inspection of water pipes for leaks or collection of moisture, and checking the basements and attics for any signs of mold are excellent ideas. Proper use of de-humidifiers and ceiling fans serve as effective deterrents to mold proliferation. Mild respiratory cases can be treated with over the counter antihistamines and decongestants. A detox seaweed bath, soaking in the solution for several minutes two or three times a week, should get rid of any rash that may have erupted on the skin because of black mold contact.
Keep in mind, however, that the above are to be used in the instance of mild exposure. They will not be as effective in more extreme cases, and the affected person must understand that. A blood test to identify if there is black mold poisoning and to what degree it has infected the person will aid in black mold treatment of cases involving greater exposure.
There are a number of medications a doctor can prescribe a person to treat mold allergy symptoms, including claratyne or zyrtec. Inhalers might also be recommended as treatment. It’s critical, in the case of a mold allergy, to follow a physician’s advice on the proper medication to use. A person with a mold allergy must also be aware that any prescription will only treat the presence of the symptom, as these prescriptions will not by themselves cure the allergy. It’s also possible to have regular shots for mold allergies, and these should be used only if other medications are not effective because the shots must be taken on a routine basis. Shots, like prescription drugs, cannot cure the allergy itself. They only increase tolerance to the allergens causing the symptoms.
If black mold spores successfully penetrate a person’s respiratory system, more radical action may be needed to treat the problem. This may include immunotherapy, the gradual buildup of immunity to the allergen, which will require a series of shots and drugs delivered over a period of time. The immunotherapy includes injecting small amounts of the toxin into the patient to develop the immunity, which is why a blood test to identify the toxin is so important.
Of course, the most important and easiest form of black mold treatment is to get away from the source of the problem: black mold itself. People with symptoms of black mold show almost immediate improvement once the black mold has been removed and the necessary precautions to keep the mold from coming back have been put into place. It is recommended that a person suspected of having black mold poisoning not try to self-medicate or attempt to fix the problem unaided. The mycotoxins produced by black mold can be fatal in certain cases and home remedies may only make the problem worse. As with most conditions, diseases, and illnesses, a doctor’s oversight is important for successful recovery in the event of black mold exposure.