when to seek treatment for mycotoxin exposure symptoms

While acute mycotoxin poisoning is more evident through noticeable symptoms, chronic toxicity is more common and has long-term repercussions. Mycotoxin molds grow on different crops and food items like nuts, cereals, spices, dried fruits, apples, etc., under humid conditions. If you suspect mycotoxin poisoning, do seek immediate treatment.

Full Answer

When should I be concerned about mycotoxins?

Mood changes (e.g. new onset anxiety/depression), neurological issues (e.g. neuropathy, migraines, pain), and digestive issues (e.g. reacting to many foods, abdominal pain) are the most common symptoms I see in those with mycotoxin-induced illness, but most of these symptoms can also be attributed to another more common illness.

How are patients with mycotoxin-induced disease treated?

Twenty-eight incapacitated individuals (average 43 years old, 7 males, 21 females, range 12-70) exposed to molds and mycotoxins were studied and treated with a protocol of cleaning up or changing their environment to be mold free. Injections of the optimum dose of antigens were given as part of the treatment protocol as was oral and intravenous (i.v.) antioxidants; heat …

What are the symptoms of Mycotoxin poisoning?

Symptoms are caused by exposure to large amounts of mycotoxins in one sitting. Chronic mycotoxicosis is exposure to a low dosage of mycotoxins for an …

What is mold or Mycotoxin exposure?

Except for supportive therapy (e.g., diet, hydration), there are almost no treatments for mycotoxin exposure, although Fink-Gremmels ( 80) described a few methods for veterinary management of mycotoxicoses, and there is some evidence that some strains of Lactobacillus effectively bind dietary mycotoxins ( 72, 73 ).

When should you seek medical attention for mold exposure?

How long does it take to recover from mycotoxins?

What can a doctor do for mold exposure?

Can a doctor test you for mold exposure?

What does mold poisoning feel like?

What are the signs of mold toxicity?

What type of doctor treats mold toxicity?

Are mycotoxin tests accurate?

Is there a blood test for mycotoxins?

Is there a blood test for mold toxicity?

What does a positive mycotoxin test mean?

Is there a universal diagnosis for mycotoxin?

At the time of writing this article, there are no universal guidelines on what constitutes a “diagnosis” of mycotoxin -induced illness , which makes it difficult to treat. Thus, I typically give a tentative diagnosis when a patient has the following:

What are the symptoms of mold?

When these cause problems, there are two general categories to be aware of: Immune reaction to mold, which involves allergy-like symptoms such as sinus issues, runny nose, itchy skin/eyes, asthma, shortness of breath, and more.

Is mold a problem in Austin?

Mold is part of our world (especially in Austin, TX!). It is inconvenient when we find it on our food. It is irritating when it causes allergies. It can be lifesaving when it creates an antibiotic. But of the more than 50,000 species of mold, around 200 are known to potentially cause serious illness in humans by releasing microscopic molecules ...

Is mold harmful to humans?

It is inconvenient when we find it on our food. It is irritating when it causes allergies. It can be lifesaving when it creates an antibiotic. But of the more than 50,000 species of mold, around 200 are known to potentially cause serious illness in humans by releasing microscopic molecules known as “mycotoxins”.

Can mold allergies cause fatigue?

Mold allergy can also be severe, but mostly encompasses fatigue, seasonal allergies, and respiratory symptoms. Just because a mycotoxin test is “positive” does NOT mean these are driving the CAUSE of symptoms. This is a common misperception (which I will explain below).

Is mold a problem?

Mold is everywhere, but as I noted above, it will not always cause a problem. When these cause problems, there are two general categories to be aware of: Immune reaction to mold, which involves allergy-like symptoms such as sinus issues, runny nose, itchy skin/eyes, asthma, shortness of breath, and more.

What are the symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Some “common” symptoms include: Cognitive difficulties (e.g. brain fog, poor memory/concentration, anxiety ) Pain ( especially abdominal pain, but can include muscle pain similar to fibromyalgia) Unexplained weight gain or weight loss. Numbness and tingling in extremities or other areas of the body.

Step 1: Mycotoxin Illness Questionnaire

This is a list of the most common mycotoxin-associated symptoms. Each symptom is rated 0 to 3, in terms of frequency and severity. At the end, tally up your points to determine the degree of potential mycotoxin-illness.

Step 2: Initial steps to take if you suspect mold exposure

This is a step-by-step guide for testing the home and work environment for the presence of mycotoxin spores. This testing includes links to remediation options. In addition, there is a section on how to prepare the body for "detoxification," if the symptom questionnaire indicates a moderate to severe likelihood of mycotoxin illness.

What is a mycotoxin test?

How it works: Urine mycotoxin testing is a broad category that includes several different tests from different labs. These tests measure levels of various different mycotoxins, which may include ochratoxin a, citrinin, aflatoxin b1, fumonisin, and zearalenone. Many of these mycotoxins are produced by the common mold species aspergillus. All urine mycotoxin tests measure the levels of mold metabolites that you are eliminating through a urine sample. Some also measure markers related to immune response.

How do humans get mycotoxins?

Humans may be exposed to mycotoxins through the air in mold-affected buildings or homes and through certain kinds of foods. Mycotoxin exposure can lead to illness, the symptoms and severity of which vary significantly from person to person [ 1, 2 ].

What is a low mold diet?

A low mold diet is sometimes recommended as a simple way to begin to heal from suspected mold illness. Low mold diets eliminate foods that feed fungal growth as well as those that may contain or be contaminated with mold.

What are the signs of mold?

Signs of mold growth may include visible mold, dampness, leaks, and stained or moldy ceiling tiles.

How do you know if you have toxic mold?

If you already know that you have been exposed to toxic mold through your home or workplace, the first step is to deal with the source of the exposure to the best of your ability. Signs of mold growth may include visible mold, dampness, leaks, and stained or moldy ceiling tiles.

How does VCS work?

How it works: Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) testing aims to measure a component of neurological function that may be affected by exposure to mycotoxins and other biotoxins. This method looks at your ability to see details in varying contrasts of black, white, and grey on a computer screen.

What is a mycotoxin?

Mycotoxins are very small metabolites produced by certain molds. Unlike spores and the fungi themselves, these mycotoxins are not really considered “alive”, but rather products released from molds as a byproduct of their metabolism and interaction with the surrounding environment.

What are mycotoxins associated with?

Mycotoxins have been associated with damage to the nervous system, kidneys, immune system, liver and the genetic “instructions” – DNA itself. Almost all medical students learn in medical school that a mycotoxin known as aflatoxin produced by the mold Aspergillus can be a causatory element in the development of liver cancer.

Is mold a fungus?

Mold is one of the major sub classifications of fungi. Fungi are eukaryotic microorganisms or organisms that have membrane-bound nuclei inside of their cells. We too are eukaryotic organisms and thus, are more similar to fungi than bacteria.

Do fungi need water to grow?

These spores are living elements that are fairly resilient to external stressors, but are essentially dependent on water and moisture in the form of humidity to actively grow. Like humans, fungi must take up carbon and nitrogen from the environment to maintain their cellular structures.

How do mycotoxins affect cellular function?

It is believed that mycotoxins exert detrimental effects on cellular function primarily by increasing cellular oxidative stress or reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are a normal byproduct (a form of exhaust so to speak) of our cellular metabolism, and we generally maintain a normal balance of ROS generation and elimination through our own antioxidant enzyme systems. In the face of various cellular stressors including psychological stress, excessive caloric and sugar intake or mycotoxin exposure, we can tip the balance of ROS generation and elimination so that we cannot readily keep up with all of the exhaust. The ROS can then begin to cause downstream havoc, damaging cellular structures such as the mitochondria and even DNA. If the cellular damage is severe enough, it can ultimately lead to the cell undergoing programmed cell death or apoptosis.

What is step 5?

5, Utilizing anti-fungal treatments. Step 5 can be broadly considered as the use of any antifungal treatment including herbs or prescription medication. The antifungal therapies can include intranasal or sinus treatments to address intranasal colonization as well as topical and oral preparations.

What is step 5 of antifungal treatment?

Step 5 can be broadly considered as the use of any antifungal treatment including herbs or prescription medication. The antifungal therapies can include intranasal or sinus treatments to address intranasal colonization as well as topical and oral preparations. It is critical in my opinion to work with a well-trained provider should you pursue any antifungal treatments. There are a wide variety of treatments and treatment approaches so be wary of any dogmatic approach to anti-fungal treatment. In addition, this step is not always necessary depending on the degree and timing of mold or mycotoxin exposures.

How to check for mold in a home?

When checking for mold in your home, start with ceilings above showers and in bathrooms. Air conditioning systems and ductwork commonly accumulate mold. Attics are also a hotspot: Bathroom fans that work to draw moisture from the room are often vented to the attic instead of outside, or the vent may be leaking.

Can mold cause throat irritation?

If immune function has been compromised by exposure to mycotoxins and stealth microbes, mold can take hold, and burning and irritation of throat and nasal passages can become chronic. It is possible to test for mycotoxins in your body.

Can mold be found in a home?

Even if you can’t see it or smell it, there’s a good chance that mold is lurking somewhere in your home or office. Studies show that more than 50% of homes and more than 85% of commercial buildings in the U.S. have water damage and mold. Many experts say every home has some detectable amount of mold. Unfortunately, exposure to mold can be ...

Is mold harmful to your health?

Many experts say every home has some detectable amount of mold. Unfortunately, exposure to mold can be detrimental to your health — regardless of whether it’s “toxic” or even whether you’re allergic to mold. Symptoms can range from mildly disruptive to serious and truly life-threatening.

Is mold a health risk?

For instance, if you’re sensitive or allergic to mold, or if you have a weakened immune system in general, mold can be extremely detrimental to your health.

Can mold cause allergies?

But even healthy people can develop sensitivity from prolonged exposure. The biotoxin illness response and the allergy response are two distinct responses to mold. You can not be allergic and still become highly inflamed from biotoxin illness; or could have mold allergy and not develop a biotoxin illness.

What are the three types of mold?

There are three main categories of mold: allergenic, toxigenic, and pathogenic. Allergenic molds are those typically associated with an allergic response.