Black mold symptoms in the elderly are more likely to mimic worsening symptoms of pre-existing health issues. Exposure to mold is often the mysterious trigger to autoimmune issues and will rarely be acknowledged or treated by a doctor as the true, underlying problem. Instead, the symptoms are targeted while the cause is still in effect.

What this means is that the elderly will be at even greater risk for developing complications from external factors, such as mold exposure.

Why Are the Elderly at More Risk of Symptoms of Mold Sickness?

Black mold is a serious problem for people of all ages, but for the elderly who have a more vulnerable immune system. it could very well be a swift death sentence, especially if the early warning signs aren’t easily recognized by the victims or their caretakers. Therefore, it is vital that we be able to differentiate between black mold symptoms in the elderly and the common health afflictions that often mask those subtle, but distinct, symptoms among that age group.

According to the Census Bureau, all members of the “Baby Boomer” generation will be age 65 or older by the year 2030. As these elders enter a new phase of life, the harsh reality of aging bodies will be experienced by all, regardless of how well they managed their health up to that point.

This isn’t to say that those who consistently made good health-related choices will succumb to the same degenerative health conditions as those who made poorer health-related choices. But, the truth of the matter is that as we all age, our cells lose the regenerative ability to maintain and restore our body’s functionality and vitality in the face of injury and disease as they once did so effortlessly during our youth.

Pre-Existing Ailments Among the Elderly that Mask Black Mold Symptoms

What makes matters worse is that the common degenerative ailments among the elderly not only make them more susceptible to developing black mold symptoms but also make it more difficult to differentiate between the two. Often, the elderly’s complaints are misdiagnosed because the black mold symptoms merely exacerbate pre-existing conditions instead of presenting new and unique symptoms.

Pre-Existing Conditions that Mask Black Mold Symptoms in the Elderly:

Arthritis
Heart Disease
Cancer
Respiratory Diseases
Alzheimer’s Disease
Macular Degeneration
Fibromyalgia
Osteoporosis
Diabetes
Influenza
Pneumonia
Depression
Declining Oral Health
Shingles

Because black mold toxicity presents symptoms that mimic or exacerbate these common conditions among the elderly, it is most likely that black mold exposure will be ruled out during diagnosis.

It is also important to keep in mind that mold exposure acts as a trigger to many seemingly unrelated health conditions, too. This is because it lowers the immune system so that underlying low-grade viral and bacterial infections—that normally would have been in dormancy and/or kept in check by the immune system—can prosper and proliferate. Epstein-Barr virus, shingles, streptococcus, vertigo, chronic sinusitis, and many other autoimmune disorders (and their typical symptoms) are often triggered by toxic substances such as arsenic or toxic mold.

If underlying conditions are not an issue (or are not the type to mask mold sickness), then first-time exposure to black mold poisoning in the elderly is likely to present the following symptoms of mold sickness:
• a long, painful headache
• a tightening in the chest
• burning sensations in airways
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• fever
• fits of sneezing
• nose bleeds
• skin irritation
• stuffy nose
• watery or itchy eyes
• wheezing

Long-term exposure to black mold symptoms or high concentration of black mold exposure may produce the following in elders:
• Asthma
• Autoimmune disease
• Cold and flu
• Emphysema-like disease
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Migraine-like headaches
• Muscle aches
• Nosebleeds
• Pulmonary hemorrhage
• Rashes and dermatitis
• Sore throat
• Vomiting and diarrhea

Conclusion

If you believe you or those under your care have been exposed and infected by mold, do not let a doctor rule out mold exposure as the culprit. Insist that it is a strong possibility even if the only symptoms presenting are worsening symptoms of pre-existing conditions and the mold exposure was short-lived so that the correct testing and treatment can be given.

All molds — green, black, or other colors — can cause health problems, especially in susceptible people. Continuous exposure to mold can affect the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks and allergens. So yes, if you see green mold, you should remove it as soon as possible.

This kind of fungus can grow anywhere in your home where a water problem has occurred. Check out how to prevent mold in the crawl space, basement, bathroom, laundry room, and attic, as well as in houseplant soil, the HVAC system, closets, carpets, and washing machines.

If you’re interested in reading about the effects of mold on children and pets, we’ve got you covered.

For expert mold removal, contact the PuroClean remediation pros

If removing this kind of mold and fungus seems daunting to you, it’s because it is. Mold can not only affect your health, but you can also risk doing a poor job, resulting in a more massive mold infestation. The best way to get rid of mold is to contact professionals such as PuroClean. We have the experience, techniques, and equipment necessary to remediate the mold, dry your property, and return it to normal.