Mold Doctor in Charleston, SC

Individuals who have been exposed to a damp indoor environment, whether due to a known leak, water intrusion, or visible mold growth, and who begin experiencing a cluster of unexplained symptoms may benefit from evaluation by a mold doctor. That could include ongoing fatigue, cognitive fog, sinus pressure, digestive disturbances, skin irritation, lightheadedness, or respiratory issues. In more complex cases, symptoms tied to inflammation, such as joint stiffness, sleep disruption, or emotional volatility, can emerge slowly and may be difficult to identify without a specialist. These symptoms tend to persist long after the mold exposure has ended, which can make timing difficult to pinpoint. Seeing a mold-literate physician becomes especially important when symptoms appear to be chronic or multi-systemic in nature.

The functional medicine doctors at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM) are trained to detect patterns that often go overlooked in standard care. With access to comprehensive functional lab testing and a clinical framework built around biotoxin exposure, including mold, moisture, and water-damaged building materials, they can assess whether Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is at the root of the symptoms. Individuals with known genetic susceptibility markers or ongoing mold exposure risks may need a more proactive treatment path. At COEM, mold-related illness is viewed comprehensively. Immunological, neurological, gastrointestinal, and environmental factors are factored into an individual’s evaluation, helping to avoid years of ineffective treatments.

A mold doctor does more than confirm the presence of illness and help identify the underlying mechanisms that allow it to continue. For some, ongoing symptoms are a lingering immune system response to earlier environmental exposures. That’s where a detailed history and functional lab testing play a critical role. Identifying inflammatory markers, immune dysregulation, or persistent microbial overgrowths helps map out a more effective treatment plan. The mold specialists at COEM use a layered approach that might include individualized nutritional support, photo biomodulation (PBM), and multi-step oxygen therapy, alongside their Biodetoxification Program. The process is about helping the immune system recalibrate, reducing reactivity, and allowing normal function to resume. Provocation-neutralization allergy testing can be used during this phase as well, especially to isolate which molds are triggering heightened sensitivity and to guide desensitization efforts. The idea is to strengthen the body’s defenses in a way that not only supports current recovery but also prevents future flare-ups, especially in those prone to developing chronic inflammatory responses to mold and water-damaged environments.

Acute mold-related conditions may appear following a recent exposure to a water-damaged space, often marked by a rapid onset of symptoms such as sinus congestion, wheezing, or headaches. For many, leaving the environment provides some relief, but for others, especially those with underlying immune or detoxification vulnerabilities, the symptoms evolve into a more entrenched chronic illness. A functional medicine doctor trained in mold-related illness understands how these symptoms behave over time and how the body can remain stuck in a state of immune activation, even after the mold itself is no longer present.

At COEM, the approach is individualized. Acute exposures might call for targeted interventions and a short detoxification timeline, while chronic cases often involve a more structured program that addresses long-term inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nervous system dysregulation. In some cases, these chronic symptoms overlap with or mimic conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or autoimmune disorders. The mold doctors at COEM can address both short-term relief and long-term recovery. Adults who may have unknowingly lived in mold-contaminated housing for years, as well as children showing developmental regression, apraxia, or new behavioral concerns, are both carefully evaluated to ensure the correct treatment plan is implemented.

Those looking for a qualified mold doctor in Charleston, SC, need look no further than COEM. With over 45 years of experience treating environmentally-linked conditions, the clinic is sought out worldwide for evaluating and managing mold, moisture, and biotoxin exposure. Board Certified Dr. Stephen P. Elliott, MD, D.A.B.F.M., F.A.A.A.M., F.M.A.P.S., the only MedMAPS-certified physician Fellow in South Carolina, brings a specialized lens to cases that overlap with neuroimmune conditions, including CIRS in both children and adults on the spectrum. Alongside him, Dr. William J. Weirs, MD, F.A.A.E.M., offers expertise in performing Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs) for mold and water damage-related illness, a vital step for those navigating occupational or legal documentation tied to exposure. COEM utilizes advanced functional testing with comprehensive, individualized care protocols. Whether the illness is newly emerging or decades in the making, the mold doctors at COEM work to identify immune triggers, calm the inflammatory cascade, and restore baseline function. This often includes non-invasive therapies like photo biomodulation, multi-step oxygen therapy, and, when appropriate, provocation-neutralization testing to tailor treatments with precision.

Mold treatment is available at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston SC, Mount Pleasant SC, Summerville SC, North Charleston SC, Goose Creek SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, West Ashley SC, Moncks Corner SC, Sullivans Island SC, Folly Beach SC, Isle of Palms SC and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city, which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.