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Did the mold in a University of Maryland dormitory contribute to the death of rookie Olivia Paregol last week? Paregol died of complications from an adenovirus, a virus spread by close personal contact. After the death of his daughter, his father said that the mold in his dormitory may have played a role.
"That did not help the disease," said Ian Paregol, according to CBS Baltimore. "I think it's a really fair statement.We do not know that there is a causal link, but that did not help things." Although the university has confirmed at least six other cases of adenovirus, school officials have not checked whether the mold was directly responsible for the virus, according to CBS News.
RELATED: A student from Maryland College died of a dangerous strain of adenovirus. Here's what you need to know
The tragic death of a student and scary allegations that mold may be to blame could make you think about your own health and how mold can affect you. "Mold is everywhere," said Albert Rizzo, MD, chief physician at the American Lung Association. Health. In general, molds grow on the outside, but a moist environment can promote its development in your home. You may be able to see mold as a dark discoloration or a stain on the wall or floor, but it may also not be visible, he says.
Dr. Rizzo says that there is no direct relationship between adenovirus and mold. Even in this case, spores suspended in molds can trigger a series of health problems, such as these.
RELATED: 11 signs, it's more than the common cold
Mold triggers allergy symptoms
"The mold spores are small enough that you can inhale them deep into your lungs," says Dr. Rizzo. Although not everyone reacts to the presence of mold in the airways, if you are sensitive to it, your immune system may activate, triggering a nasty attack of hay fever-like symptoms Nasal congestion, red eyes or skin, notes the CDC.
Mold makes you cough
Even if you do not have allergies or other breathing problems, mold can irritate the lungs and cause a cough, says Dr. Rizzo. "Wheezing and coughing may be the first sign of an allergy or the fact that you have been exposed to a sufficient amount of mold to make your airways compromised," he says.
Mold can lead to a respiratory disease
People whose immune system is weakened are particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of mold exposure. (Paregol stated that this was the case of his daughter, who had Crohn's disease.) However, it is possible that inhalation of molds causes inflammation of the airways, which may leave an individual vulnerable to have another infection
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Mold can cause a lung infection
Another potential problem of mold in a person whose immune system is compromised? "Mold can enter your lungs and put you at increased risk of getting a lung infection," says Dr. Rizzo. Aspergillosis is an infection caused by mold. Mild cases trigger symptoms resembling an allergy; However, an invasive form can spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, and can be fatal, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Mold can lead to asthma
Even if you are in good health, exposure to mold can contribute to the development of asthma, a chronic condition that affects breathing; Asthma attacks can even be fatal. (And for your information, once you have asthma, it does not go away.) According to a 2018 article in The Big Times, children exposed to "visible mold" were at increased risk of developing asthma or worsening their symptoms. European respiratory examination.
How to protect yourself from mold
Keep moisture levels in your home below 50%. If you know that water damage has built up behind the walls or if you suspect damage, you will need to use professionals to eliminate mold that may form, especially if you have any of the symptoms listed. below. Your lungs are worth it.
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