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molds may cause sinus problems Soon after identical twins Diana and Dawn Meier moved into the same apartment building, they developed breathing problems. "She had been complaining of a lot of sinus problems when she moved to the apartment," Diana Meier said. "She had been there about a year before I did. And so I started getting like my nose running." Their symptoms got worse. The antibiotics doctors prescribed didn't help. Then the sisters found out they were sensitive to household mold. When airborne, microscopic mold spores can wreak havoc in sensitive people. Researchers in one study found fungus in over 90 percent of chronic sinusitis patients. "They end up inhaling it into their sinus cavities and then it just breeds," nasal and sinus specialist Jordan S. Josephson, MD, said. Josephson said some sinus infections are bacterial and fungal. Antibiotics treat only bacterial infections, so patients may also need anti-fungal drugs. "Each person really needs to be evaluated by their ear, nose and throat physician or their sinus specialist so that they can figure out which is the proper combination of agents to use," Josephson said. While doctors treat your sinuses, you need to attack your mold problem. You can start by washing off the fungus with bleach and water. "If a person's home has uncontrolled moisture, water leaks, etc, that needs to be fixed," occupational medicine specialist Philip Harber, MD, said. Harber is a mold expert. "Where there's a very extensive growth, it's sometimes useful to look for advice at the EPA Web site or to call a professional," Harber said. You can hire a trained dog to sniff out hidden mold for about $500. The clean-up and repairs are left to you. Or, look in the phone book for a mold remediator who will do the entire job for you. It can cost a pretty penny. Your homeowners insurance may not pay up. However, as the Meier twins found out, it's your health that could be at stake. "I really didn't think I'd become disabled from something I couldn't see that was in my apartment," Diana Meier said. |
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