Accidentally eating mold typically isn’t a cause for concern. Most people won’t have any reaction to oral exposure, but it can lead to allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold is a type of fungus that can be found indoors and outdoors almost anywhere. If you accidently ingest mold, it’s important to be familiar with some of the potential side effects to look out for and how to prevent these scenarios in the future.
What is Mold?
Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on any surface, inside or outside, provided that the environment has adequate moisture. Depending on the species of mold, it can be a variety of colors such as black, white, yellow, gray and green. Health risks associated with ingestion of mold vary and include allergic reactions such as sneezing and coughing as well as more severe reactions such as nausea, vomiting and skin irritation. Therefore, it is important to know what happens if you accidentally eat mold in order to prevent potential health problems.
When ingested, molds release tiny spores into your stomach which can cause an infection known as mycotoxicosis. Mycotoxicosis may result in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps among other potentially serious side effects. In some cases, mycotoxicosis can even lead to liver damage or kidney failure if left untreated for too long. Furthermore, mold spores can remain present in your body for months after ingestion so it is important to visit a doctor promptly if you think you may have consumed something infected with mold spores. The doctor will likely perform tests to determine if an infection has occurred and provide advice regarding proper treatment options.
Types of Mold
Eating mold can have a range of potential ill effects depending on what type of mold it is. There are several different types of mold, including aspergillus, mucor, cladosporium and penicillium, which can all have different levels of harm when consumed. Understanding the differences between these molds can help you make an informed decision if you ever accidentally consume them.
Allergenic Molds
In addition to the potential health risks posed by molds, certain types can also cause an allergic reaction in some people. There are over 100,000 species of mold, but only a few allergenic molds such as Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium are known to cause serious problems. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from watery eyes and coughing to asthma attacks and difficulty breathing. People who have pre-existing allergies or asthma may be more sensitive to mold allergens and experience more severe reactions than in a healthy person.
Other types of mold that can trigger allergies include Eurotium, Epicoccum, Semifomosum and Mucor which typically grow on previously wetted materials or damp walls. Lesions may form in the mouth or throat if these molds are inhaled or eaten, causing extreme discomfort for the person affected. Fortunately, allergic reactions to these molds are easy to treat with mild antihistamines or decongestants and severe cases should be referred to an allergist for further examination.
Pathogenic Molds
Molds can be classified into two primary groups – pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Non-pathogenic molds are usually harmless to humans and animals, while pathogenic molds are capable of causing serious health problems if left unchecked.
Pathogenic molds, also known as “toxic molds”, can lead to respiratory irritation and infections, allergic reactions and even development of more serious illnesses such as asthma or chronic sinusitis. They are typically found in damp or water damaged environments where they can spread quickly.
Types of pathogenic mold include Aspergillus, Stachybotrys (also known as black mold), Fusarium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Trichoderma. These molds tend to thrive in warm and damp areas, such as bathrooms and basements with poor ventilation.
If you suspect you have a problem with a pathogenic mold in your home or office building, it is important to have the environment professionally assessed for mycotoxin levels by an environmental Hygienist or specialist. It is also important to be aware that some species of mold produce toxins even when growth appears minimal – so having a specialist check for toxins regularly is recommended for a safe living environment.
Toxic Molds
When it comes to mold, some are more dangerous than others. Toxic molds, due to the mycotoxins they produce, can be hazardous to your health. Some of the most common toxic molds include Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys chartarum and Fusarium.
Aspergillus is the most common indoor mold found in homes and buildings due to its low temperature requirements for growth. It thrives at temperatures between 20 to 45 °C (68 °F–113 °F). This type of mold is known to cause critical respiratory illnesses when inhaled by those with weak immune systems or sensitive respiratory systems.
Penicillium is commonly found on spoiled food such as commonly stored grains, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables. This type of mold produces penicillin which kills off harmful bacteria, however over-exposure may lead to a variety of health issues including hypersensitivity pneumonitis or allergic bronchopulmonary disease.
Stachybotrys chartarum is a fungus often referred to as “black mold” that can be found in old damp buildings with poor ventilation — typically caused by water leakage or flooding events — frequently after hurricane strikes or flooding disasters that create an ideal environment for its growth. Damp conditions from water leaks enable this toxic mold to grow on materials like wood and paper products; such as insulation boards, gypsum board and ceiling tiles as well as wallpaper or carpeting that becomes wet and remains wet for sustained periods of time — 72 hours or more providing an ideal environment for its growth. The main concern associated with this type of mold is a health hazard due to airborne exposure resulting in breathing problems such as asthma attacks as well as vomiting and nausea among other bacterial infections if ingested.
Finally Fusarium has been known for causing several skin diseases such as athlete’s foot and liver infections if swallowed by accident. Commonly found near sink drains with slow drainage due to its capacity for nutrient-poor environments; buildings with high levels of humidity are also prone to developing colonies of fusarium molds indoors where it can easily colonize any moist surface like carpets, wood floors bathroom tile grout lines etc., making them discolored over time if left owner untreated/untreated for extended periods of time due to their association with potable water contained within warm indoor climates (60°F–107°F).
Symptoms of Eating Mold
Accidental ingestion of mold can occur in a variety of ways such as eating moldy food or breathing in mold spores. Eating mold can cause a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and allergic reactions. Knowing the symptoms of eating mold is important in case you or someone you know ever eats some. Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of eating mold.
Allergic Reactions
Ingesting mold can cause allergic reactions in some people. The most common types of reactions include coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal stuffiness, red and itchy eyes, dizziness and rashes. In more severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing, asthma exacerbation and severe throat irritation. As the body recognizes the presence of a foreign substance ingested with the mold, an allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis can occur. Anaphylactic shock is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure from a massive release of histamines into the body. A person experiencing this type of reaction needs immediate medical attention to avoid life-threatening complications.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The main symptoms of eating mold include gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Although some people may not experience any symptoms at all, others may be more sensitive to the effects of eating mold. Gastrointestinal problems can occur anywhere from a few hours to several days after ingestion.
Mold that is ingested can also cause allergic reactions in some people, with symptoms such as hives, itching, nasal and eye irritation, coughing and wheezing. If an individual has a weakened immune system or allergies towards certain spores, then the reaction could be more severe. In rare cases where the individual has ingested a large amount of mold, infection by mycotoxins (toxins produced by molds) is also possible which left untreated can result in organ dysfunction or even death depending on the type of mold consumed.
If you think you may have eaten mold or believe that someone in your family has eaten moldy food or drinks then it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will take into account factors such as age and any existing medical conditions and advise on tests that need to be done to check for potential problems resulting from ingestion of mold. After diagnosis they will recommend suitable treatment which could include medications such as antibiotics or antifungals depending on what type of fungus was present in the food item consumed.
Respiratory Symptoms
Eating mold can cause a range of potential respiratory symptoms. These include coughing, congestion, nasal irritation, sneezing, shortness of breath, wheezing and asthma-like symptoms. These can range from mild to extreme in intensity and may last for up to one week after eating contaminated food.
Inhaling mold spores may also cause more severe respiratory symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, sore throat or sinus infections. These types of reactions are more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems or those who are particularly sensitive to mold spores.
If you accidentally eat a small amount of mold without experiencing any initial symptoms, it is important to monitor your body for any changes in the days that follow. Seek medical advice if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms after eating food containing mold as these can be signs of an underlying health issue that needs prompt attention.
Neurological Symptoms
Eating mold can trigger neurological symptoms due to the presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are produced by certain molds, and they can cause damage to the nervous system. The most common symptoms associated with the ingestion of mycotoxins are headaches, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss and nausea. In more severe cases, individuals may experience seizures or tremors.
Even if you don’t have any physical symptoms after eating moldy food, it is still important to be aware of them as it could be a sign that you’re dealing with a toxic mold infestation in your home or workplace. It is always best to get your environment tested for mold if you suspect it might be present.
Treating Mold Poisoning
Accidentally eating mold can cause mold poisoning, which can have a range of symptoms from mild to severe depending on the type of mold ingested. People who eat mold may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If left untreated, mold poisoning can cause further complications like respiratory problems and neurological issues. In this article, we will discuss the best methods for treating mold poisoning and how to prevent it from happening in the future.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications that block the effects of the chemical histamine, which is responsible for allergic reactions. They can be used to treat symptoms of mold poisoning that are related to allergies such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. Antihistamines can also be helpful in relieving skin itching and rashes caused by mold. There are several types of antihistamines available, including over-the-counter (OTC) forms such as loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and fexofenadine (Allegra). A doctor may also prescribe stronger versions or longer-acting forms for more severe mold exposures.
Antibiotics
The decision to take antibiotics depends on the type of mold eaten and the parts of the body that were impacted by it. Antibiotics are effective at treating fungal diseases, however some molds produce toxins which cannot be treated with antibiotics. In such cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal medication instead. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to remove infected areas or limb amputation in order to prevent the spread of infection distally.
In addition to antibiotics and antifungal medications, intravenous fluids may be given to help manage symptoms such as nausea and dehydration. If the mold has resulted in an allergic reaction then antihistamines may also be prescribed along with topical steroids for relief from itching and inflammation. Your doctor may also suggest certain lifestyle modifications such as avoiding certain food groups that could trigger a reaction in your body after being exposed to mold poisoning. It is best to follow your doctor’s advice in order to ensure that you manage mold poisoning effectively and prevent it from occurring again in future.
Decongestants
Decongestants are medicines that work directly on the nasal passages to decrease swelling and drainage. Most often, decongestants are administered through intranasal sprays, drops, or tablets. They can help relieve your congestion and difficulty breathing due to mold poisoning.
If you experience any side effects while using a decongestant, it is important that you contact your doctor and discuss the option of discontinuing or changing the medication. Some common side effects of decongestants include increased heart rate, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety.
It is also important to note that these medications should not be used for more than three days in a row because extended use can lead to rebound congestion (congestion that returns after use of the medication stops). If your symptoms persist beyond three days without improvement, it is important to discuss this with your doctor as they may suggest other treatments such as corticosteroids or anti-allergy medications.
Prevention
Accidentally eating mold can be an unpleasant experience. In some cases, the exposure to mold could cause various health problems. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid any potential health issues. Here we will discuss what you should do to prevent accidentally eating mold, and how to identify if you have been exposed.
Properly Store Food
Properly storing food is one of the best ways to prevent accidental ingestion of mold. Food should be wrapped or covered and stored in a cool and dry area, such as the refrigerator or freezer. Be sure also to avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meats, poultry, and seafood separate from other food items when storing. Additionally, always check the expiration date before consuming foods or beverages, as these products can contain harmful levels of mold if not consumed in a timely manner. In some cases, it’s advisable to freeze-dry any items that won’t be eaten within three days to ensure that there is no risk of accidental ingestion of mold.
Check Food Before Eating
Checking your food before eating is an important step in preventing the ingestion of mold. Make sure to examine your food closely and discard anything that shows visible signs of being contaminated with mold or looks like it is beginning to spoil. Mold may start out as small spots and can quickly grow if not dealt with properly. If you suspect that a food item grows mold, make sure to check other items nearby – molds can spread quickly. Additionally, if a food item has been left in the refrigerator for too long, this could be an indication of potential growth of mold spores, so it’s important to take a close look at all items before eating them.
Clean and Disinfect Regularly
Clean and disinfect regularly to prevent mold growth in your home or workplace. Removing any sources of moisture, such as fixing leaky windows, sealing the ground around foundations, and installing exhaust fans in bathrooms, will reduce the risk of mold contamination. Proper cleaning with a detergent solution and regular vacuuming is also recommended. When possible, remove carpeting to reduce the potential for mold spores to become airborne. In addition, dehumidifiers can be used to help control humidity levels indoors.
Finally, when doing work around the house that may involve cutting into walls or other areas where moisture is likely to accumulate (such as around bathtubs or sinks), always wear protective clothing such as gloves and dust masks. This not only allows you to reduce contact with any existing mold but also helps protect you from exposure should additional mold spores become airborne during the project.
