This time of year, it can be easy to dismiss the occasional cough or sniffle and chalk it up to a winter cold or seasonal allergies. A quick trip to your local pharmacy for some lozenges and extra tissues, and you carry on with your normal routine. 

However, when symptoms linger (or get worse instead of improving) and the usual health remedies are not making you feel better, it may be time to consider another possibility: exposure to indoor mold. 

No home is completely mold free.

Regardless of how clean and tidy your living space is, there is always a chance that indoor mold growth can become a problem. 

Scientists have identified hundreds of thousands of different mold species, and we know that microscopic mold spores are present in every home. What you may not know is that in most cases, a single water damage event or a significant change in the humidity level inside your home is all it takes for mold spores to flourish and become colonies. 

Indoor mold colonies are sometimes noticeable by sight (spots or discoloration on the walls or other surfaces) or smell (an underlying damp, musty odor). But because mold growth is not always that obvious, you may have no idea that mold is causing the symptoms you are experiencing. As a result, you may spend countless dollars on remedies that provide zero relief instead of addressing the real problem. 

What are the symptoms of mold exposure?

There is a wide range of symptoms associated with mold exposure. 

Because many of the more common symptoms are similar to those associated with colds, flu, and seasonal allergies, it is important to understand what to look for so you know whether or not you need to take the next step and get your home assessed for mold. 

Common symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Coughing 
• Difficulty breathing
• Congestion and sneezing
• Eye, ear, and throat irritation
• Low-grade fever
• Headache

Keep in mind that colds generally run their course in 7 to 10 days, the flu in about a week, and seasonal allergies will come and go during certain times throughout the year. Lingering symptoms are often indicative of an underlying issue such as exposure to harmful mold. 

Lesser-known symptoms of mold exposure include:

• Cognitive issues: brain fog, memory problems, confusion
• Digestive issues: nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite
• Emotional issues: depression, anxiety, irritation
• Skin reactions: dryness, hives, rashes
• Fatigue and weakness

Is it mold? Start with a professional inspection.

Although telltale spots and a bad smell are easy ways to identify indoor mold growth, the evidence is not always that clear. Mold can be sneaky and hide in places you can’t see, such as inside walls, beneath floorboards, and in less frequently used spaces including the attic and basement. 

If you are worried about persistent health issues that could be linked to mold exposure, the best way to safeguard your health—and the health of your family and pets—is to contact a reputable mold remediation specialist. 

Here at Connecticut Mold Pros, our trained and certified technicians are available to handle all of your mold-related needs. Let us know your concerns and what symptoms you have been experiencing, and a technician will come to your home for a free consultation to determine whether or not you have an indoor mold problem and what the next steps are.  

Good news: Mold removal is faster than you think.

Nobody wants to find out they have a mold problem. The good news is that the team at CT Mold Pros takes care of things quickly so you can prioritize your health and start to feel like yourself again. 

In many cases, we can go from the first phone call to being completely done in a week or less—sometimes even the very next day. It may take longer if a more in-depth water damage restoration job is needed, but the sooner we start the process, the sooner you can get back to your normal routine. 

Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out our online form with your message and a member of our team will reach out to you shortly.