Whenever your immune system responds to an unfamiliar substance that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people, referred to as an allergen, you have an allergy. It might be anything you consume, breathe in, or otherwise put inside your body. These allergies can be seasonal and difficult to manage. In a 2018 report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, around 50 million Americans suffer from spring season allergies such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), which also happens to be the most common one.
From sneezing to itches, allergies can make you quite uncomfortable or ill. Therefore, it’s necessary to be aware of the allergies you’re likely to face during the spring season. To effectively fight allergies, you must properly understand how to manage them. To help you, this article provides information on effectively managing any seasonal allergies.
What Happens During the Spring Allergy Season?
Allergies can get particularly unpleasant if they aren’t treated on time. Several factors, including climate change, pollen, and even the smallest foreign bodies, can cause allergies.
Pollen, unsurprisingly, is one of the leading causes of allergies. When flowers and other fauna are in full bloom, people allergic to pollen have a particularly hard time. The main pollen seasons are driven by temperate climates from fall, spring, and summer. In regions with subtropical climates, summer seasons tend to last longer, which means the pollen allergy season extends.
Climate change doesn’t help either and can worsen any pollen allergies if not addressed on time for the future. In fact, many people report that their seasonal allergies have worsened during the past 10-20 years.
Related Topic: Adventures in Allergy Testing at COEM
Common Allergy Symptoms to Look For
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Congestion in the nose
- Chest tightness
- Watery and itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
Common Spring Allergens
Some common allergens you should be aware of include
- Cypress
- Birch
- Ash
- Elm
- Maple
- Hickory
- Poplar
- Oak
- Walnut
- Bluegrass
- Sweet vernal grass
- Red top grass
- Timothy grass
Related Topic: Allergy And Asthma: How are They Connected
How to Manage Allergies Effectively
Here are a few tips on how to manage spring allergies
- Minimize stepping out or going on outdoor trips during allergy season. Since pollen can trigger allergies, It’s best to avoid places where you might encounter it. Try to go out when pollen counts are lower.
- If you’re prone to seasonal allergies, consuming allergy medicine is important. You can also try taking medicine a week before allergy season to protect yourself efficiently. Common medicines to counter allergies include oral antihistamines, nasal decongestants, eye drops, and more.
- Furthermore, taking certain precautions at home can also protect you. For instance, shut all your windows during allergy season, use a fan rather than an A/C (they suck in air from outside your house), vacuum your house, and if you’re a smoker, taking a break during allergy season will be good for you. You can quit it completely for the best results.
Are you looking for expert allergy treatment near you? Call our team at 843-572-1600 to schedule an appointment with our expert doctors today at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine(COEM). We can help you with the right spring allergy treatment and any care you need.
Can hypothyroidism cause depression and anxiety? Well, depression can often be a symptom of hypothyroidism. However, only a specialist can diagnose if your depression is caused due to hypothyroidism. Read on to learn more about hypothyroidism and its relation to depression.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
If the thyroid gland is not working to its optimal potential, it can be diagnosed as hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland in your body is responsible for producing certain hormones that help perform various body functions. Certain hormones are also responsible for mood swings- hence it can be difficult to distinguish if your hypothyroidism is causing your depression. The symptoms of both health issues are similar.
Hypothyroidism can also display other symptoms, which include
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Swollen hands and feet
- Irregularities in menstrual cycles
Also read: How Are Thyroid and Gastrointestinal Problems Connected?
Do You Have Hypothyroidism?
Typically, women are more likely to have hypothyroidism compared to men. Also, people above 60 years of age are at a higher risk of experiencing hypothyroidism. You may also be at a higher risk of getting hypothyroidism if you have faced any kind of thyroid-related health issues in the past or have a family history of thyroid disease. Certain other chronic medical conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or even type 1 diabetes can cause hypothyroidism.
Can Hypothyroidism Cause Depression?
You might develop certain mental health issues if you have an underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland can often produce more or less than the normal amount of hormones; this can cause mood swings. It can also affect your ability to think clearly and make it difficult for you to learn new things in the long run.
In cases of severe hypothyroidism, some people may experience dementia or severe depression. Often, hormonal changes can interrupt brain functions. The hippocampus is the part of the brain affected by hypothyroidism, which can impact the brain’s memory and learning ability.
Related: Stress and The Thyroid: What’s The Real Connection
How Can Thyroid Disease Affect a Person’s Mood?
Thyroid disease can cause anxiety and depression. The more severe the disease, the more severe the mood swings can be. However, depression is a serious mental health issue, and it might not be the only evidence of thyroid as a disease. Thus, it’s always better to consult a specialist if you suffer from any kind of anxiety or severe mood changes.
With appropriate treatment and medication, it is possible to improve both the physical and emotional symptoms that are caused by thyroid disease.
If you are concerned about your thyroid health issues and are looking for an expert in thyroid treatment, you have come to the right place. Call us at 843-572-1600 or get in touch with us to schedule an appointment with our expert physicians today!
MOLD EXPOSURE – MOLD TOXICITY
Mold exposure and mold toxicity are very serious issues that can be effectively diagnosed and successfully treated by the experienced professionals at COEM.
Many studies link exposure to damp or moldy indoor conditions to increased incidence and/or severity of respiratory problems such as asthma, wheezing and rhinosinusitis and even life-threatening systemic infections in immunocompromised persons. Stachybotrys, also known as toxic black mold, produces trichothecenes and other mycotoxins, which can inhibit protein synthesis and induce hemorrhaging disorders. Indoor mold exposure can alter immunological factors and produce allergic reactions. Several studies have indicated that indoor mold exposure can alter brain blood flow, autonomic nerve function, and brain waves, and worsen concentration, attention, balance and memory.
Health officials are increasingly concerned about the dangers of mold in our homes and offices. It is understood that mold (fungi) is capable of causing allergy, infection, and even toxicity in humans. Doctors who are members of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine have known for some time that specific molds, in sufficient concentration over a sustained period of time, are potentially detrimental to our health. These doctors have become expert in the diagnosis and treatment of mold-induced medical problems. The physicians at COEM are world class doctors having experience diagnosing mold poisoning and its associated conditions. This includes proper documentation through biomarkers of exposure and effect supported by comprehensive lab testing that is very specific for mold mycotoxins.
Molds have been present for billions of years and comprise 25 percent of the earth’s biomass. They are everywhere! Most of these molds are harmless and don’t affect our health. But indoor fungi such as Aspergillus, Penicillium, Stachybotrys, Cladosporium, and Alternaria are capable of creating health issues when at sufficient levels.
Many molds reproduce by making spores. When the spores come into contact with a moist ‘food’ source, they germinate and commence the production of a branching network of cells called hyphae. The hyphae secrete mycotoxins and digestive enzymes that work on cellulose in our house walls. Moisture is a key requirement.
What are some of the health problems mold can cause?
Dr. Vojdani lists seven categories of health affects:
- Allergy–immediate reaction
- Allergy–delayed reaction, hours to days after exposure
- Infection–mainly in susceptible people
- Adverse reactions to odor—becoming sensitive to many chemicals
- Neurotoxicity—headaches, fatigue, nosebleeds, memory loss
- Immunotoxicity—frequent infections, especially of the sinus and lungs; rashes; autoimmune diseases
- Mucous membrane irritation
Dr Allan Lieberman, in his paper “Explosion of Mold Cases in Homes, Workplaces and Occupational Medicine Practice,” examined 48 patients who were heavily exposed to mold. The results were as follows:
- Muscle and joint pain (71%)
- Fatigue and weakness (70%)
- Neurocognitive dysfunction (67%)
- Sinusitis (65%)
- Headache (65%)
- Gastrointestinal problems (58%)
- Shortness of breath (54%)
- Anxiety/depression/irritability (54%)
- Chest tightness (42%)
- Insomnia (40%)
- Dizziness (38%)
- Numbness/tingling (35%)
- Laryngitis (35%)
- Tremors (25%)
- Heart palpitations (21%)
In a review paper entitled “Adverse Health Effects of Indoor Molds,” the authors cite the study by Rea et al of 150 heavily indoor mold-exposed patients, which found similar health problems in similar percentages as Lieberman’s study.
The Mayo Clinic noted that 96% of chronic sinusitis patients were infected with fungus. This fact is alarming since antibiotics are repeatedly given to treat the bacteria, but anti-fungal are not given to treat the fungus.
Lebowitz et al reported that 56 percent of 45 patients having sinus surgery had positive fungi cultures.
How should a patient be evaluated for a mold toxicity-related symptom?
Environmental sampling can be performed to check for spores and mycotoxins. Placing agar plated mold dishes in suspected moldy environments can yield counts of colony forming units. One study implies more than four colonies could be a problem, especially for those with recurrent sinusitis.
Calling in a mold inspector to do a thorough evaluation and written report of their findings is important. If litigation is involved it is wise to bring in a CIH, Certified Industrial Hygienist, who is qualified by training to determine the presence and extent of mold over growth.
Proper treatment for mold toxicity involves evaluation by an environmental physician, including a comprehensive history and physical examination. Laboratory testing can include:
- Mold and mycotoxin antibody levels
- Immune markers—T and B cells/natural killer cells
- Vision contrast sensitivity
- SPECT brain scans
- Antimyelin auto-antibodies
Treatment is individualized and specific to the findings of a complete evaluation. Treatment modalities can include: anti-fungal medications, allergy/immunotherapy, treatments for sinusitis, nutritional/herbal support, intravenous vitamin and mineral supplementation, and/or biodetoxification.
Recommendations will be made as to avoidance of the contaminated environment entirely. If that is not an option then proper professional remediation of affected areas is required.
The physicians at COEM have seen thousands of cases of mold exposure and its toxic effects. They are experienced in the accurate diagnosis and treatment of mold injuries and can help you to detoxify your body of mold mycotoxins.
For further information about mold injury:
Please call our office to speak to the New Patient Coordinator, Krystal: (843) 572-1600.
See the article, The Effects of Toxic Molds on Personality and Brain Functioning, by a Licensed Neuropsychologist, for additional information as well.
For information about mold assessment of homes or businesses:
Please see the article in this issue, “Assessment of Mold in Indoor Environments,” by a Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC). In addition, mold plates for household sampling of molds are available for our patients at The Center. We can also make referrals for mold inspectors and Certified Industrial Hygienists to assist you in confirming the extent of mold damage in your residence or business.
References:
Curtis L, Lieberman A, Stark M, Rea M, Vetter M. Adverse health effects of indoor molds. Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (Sept 2004) 14(3) 261-274.
Lieberman, A. Explosion of mold cases in homes, workplaces and occupational medicine practices. Presented at the 21st Annual Symposium on Man and His Environment in Health and Disease, Dallas, Texas, 19-22 June 2003.
Liebowitz, R, Waltzman M, Jacobs J, Pearlman A, Tierro P. Isolation of fungi by standard laboratory methods in patients with chornic rhinosinusitis. Laryngoscope 2002:112(12):2189-91.
Vodjani A, Campbell A, Kashanian A, Vodjani E. Antibodies against molds and mycotoxins following exposure to toxigenic fungi in water-damaged building. Archives of Environmental Health 2003; 58(^):324-36.
Vodjani, A, Thrasher J. Madison M, Gray M, Heuser G, Campbell A. Antibodies to molds and satratoxin individuals in a water-damaged building. Archives of Environmental Health 2003; 58(7)421-32.
Vodjani, A. Health effects and immunotoxicology of toxigenic molds and mycotoxins. Presented at the 21st International Symposium of Man and His Environment in Health and Disease, Dallas, Texas, 20 June 2003.
Related Article
- Mold and Cancer: Can Mold Cause Cancer?
- Mycotoxins Toxicity: What You Need to Know
- Mold and Dampness: How Mold Affects Your Health
- Mold On Food: Is Moldy Food Dangerous?
- Mold and Candida: What Is the Real Connection?
- Mold and Asthma – What’s the Connection and its Effects on Your Health
- How to Remove Mold Spores From Your House And Prevent Mold Infection?
- Mold Assessment: What You Should Know About It
- Mold Mycotoxins: Important Things You Should know
- The Endocrine System and Your Hormones
- Adverse Health Effects of Indoor Molds
What is Esophagitis?
Esophagitis is an inflammation that may damage the tissues of the esophagus. It makes it difficult to swallow food and can be caused by infection, allergies, oral medications, etc.
What is Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
This is a chronic immune system disease. Here, eosinophil (a type of white blood cell) builds up in the lining of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. This is due to a reaction to allergens, food, or acid reflux and can damage the esophageal tissue. Eosinophilic esophagitis can be very painful and uncomfortable as it can lead to difficulty in swallowing food.
Types of Esophagitis
The common forms of esophagitis are:
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
It is a chronic immune system disease that is caused by too many eosinophils present in the esophagus. This happens when the body over-responds to food or allergens. It can make eating difficult for children. Some common triggers include peanuts, shellfish, tree nuts, milk, etc. - Reflux Esophagitis
This generally happens due to a condition called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). It occurs when stomach fluids like acids back up into the esophagus frequently and can cause chronic inflammation of the esophagus. - Drug-Induced Esophagitis
This can occur when a person takes certain medications without sufficient water. This can cause medications to linger in the esophagus for too long. Such medications include potassium chloride, antibiotics, etc. - Infectious Esophagitis
It is a rare condition that can be caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria, or parasites. You can be at a high risk from this type of esophagitis if your immune system is weakened by medications or diseases. Infectious esophagitis is common in people with AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or HIV.
Symptoms of Esophagitis
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Chest pain
- Food getting stuck in the esophagus
Causes of Esophagitis
- Medicines like aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDS)
- Allergies
- Medical procedures like radiation therapy
- Chronic vomiting
Also read: MYCOTOXINS TOXICITY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
How is Esophagitis Diagnosed?
- Barium X-ray: After the patient drinks a barium solution (barium coats the lining of the esophagus and makes it visible on x-ray), an x-ray is taken of the esophagus. This allows the doctor to view any abnormality in the esophagus.
- Endoscopy: A flexible, long, and lighted tube (endoscope) is used to view the esophagus.
- Biopsy: A mini sample of the esophageal tissue is removed and sent to the lab for examination under a microscope.
How Long Does Esophagitis Last?
In most cases, healthy people take around two to four weeks to improve with proper treatment.
Also read: Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatment
What is the Fastest Way to Treat Esophagitis?
The treatment for esophagitis mainly lessens the symptoms, manage complications, and treats the main cause for it. Treatment can vary depending on the cause of the disorder.
Are you suffering from esophagitis and need treatment? We at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine have a group of experts at your service. Call us at 843-572-1600 to book an appointment now.
Indoor exposure to black mold, or any other mold, has not been linked to cancer. However, mold is linked to various other health issues.
Mold can grow anywhere where moisture is found. Mold spores fly through the air to enter homes and other structures, and as a result, we may breathe them in at times. This can aggravate allergies and asthma and induce upper respiratory symptoms when present in high quantities for a long time in our bodies.
Read on to learn more about black mold, different varieties of mold, and who are most vulnerable to them.
Types of Dangerous Mold and Their Relation to Cancer
There are several dangerous and toxic molds found in our surroundings. Two of them are regarded as extremely dangerous and related to cancer.
Black mold and cancer
Stachybotrys chartarum, often known as black mold, or Stachybotrys atra, has a reputation for being a toxic mold. Satratoxin, a form of mycotoxin produced by black mold, is a toxic chemical that can cause disease in some people, but black mold and lung cancer haven’t been linked to it yet.
Aspergillus and cancer
Molds in this category produce aflatoxins, which are toxic components that can make you feel very ill and lead to liver cancer if you ingest them too much. Rather than inhaling, this mold enters your body through digestion.
Mold can grow in a variety of places, including your home. Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Alternaria are other dangerous molds found.
Also read: MYCOTOXINS TOXICITY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Mold Toxicity Symptoms
The adverse effects of short-term mold exposure are different for every person. If you’re allergic or sensitive to mold, you’re more likely to experience severe symptoms.
Symptoms in general include:
- sinus and nasal congestion
- nasal irritation
- itchy, watery eyes
- red eyes
- blurry vision
- trouble breathing
- coughing
- sore throat
- sneezing
- nosebleeds
- asthma attacks (if you have asthma)
What Are the Risks of Mold Exposure?
Some people are completely unaffected, while others are more sensitive. If you have a mold allergy, you may experience severe symptoms such as lung inflammation.
According to the CDC, the Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence associating indoor mold and wet indoor settings in general, with:
- Symptoms of the upper respiratory tract in healthy adults
- Symptoms in people suffering from asthma
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in vulnerable people
Furthermore, lung cavities can be infected with Aspergillus niger if you have emphysema, TB, or severe sarcoidosis. Invasive aspergillosis is a more serious reaction in which the infection spreads from the lungs to the brain, heart, and kidneys. This is more likely to happen in persons with a weaker immune system.
What Type of Cancer Does Mold Cause?
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by some varieties of this mold that can make you sick and even cause liver cancer. That usually comes from eating it rather than breathing it in.
Who’s at Risk?
People with the following conditions are at the biggest risk:
- allergies
- asthma
- a chronic lung disease
- cancer treatment
- intaking strong drugs and medicines
- organ or stem cell transplant
Also read: MOLD ON FOOD: IS MOLDY FOOD DANGEROUS?
How Do You Keep Mold Out of Buildings and Home?
Mold growth can be slowed down in your home and building by performing the following:
- Controlling humidity levels.
- Repair the leaking roofs, windows, and pipes as quickly as possible.
- Thoroughly cleaning and drying after floods.
- Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking facilities.
Call us at 843-572-1600 or make an appointment with one of our mold toxicity expert doctors now if you are seeking the best mold treatment near you. We have a team of professionals at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine who can help you with all of your health-related issues.
Osteoporosis, also known as ‘porous bone’, is a disease in which bones get so brittle that they get fractured easily with the slightest stress or a fall. This disease occurs due to low bone mass and less bone turnover. Osteoporosis predominantly affects the hip, wrist, and spine, and though it is a multifactorial disorder, some underlying causes can be ascertained.
Food can be spoiled by mold. Moldy food has undesirable texture and taste and can even have apparent physical changes. Some of the molds are dangerous for your body as they produce harmful toxins, which can cause respiratory problems and various allergic reactions.
Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections around the world. It is a health problem that affects the patient’s whole life and occurs with relapses and remissions.
Panic attacks are abrupt surges of overwhelming fear or anxiety. The person having a panic attack experiences symptoms like profuse sweating, palpitations, trembling or shaking, chest pain, trouble breathing, or stroke. Panic attacks are sudden and often without an identifiable source. The symptoms are intense and may result in unconsciousness.
An estimated 74 million United States women between 15-44 years are of reproductive age. However, the newborn mortality rate has been greater than in most other high-income countries in the past decade. It’s estimated that most infant deaths in the United States stem from prematurity and congenital disabilities. U.S. women aged 18 to 44 face various preconception risk factors that impact maternal and infant health. Almost 50% of these females are regarded as overweight, 19% are active smokers, 10% have hypertension, and 3% are diabetes patients.
Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and sometimes even cause blisters. Scientists are now slowly understanding the role of the human microbiome in the appearance of chronic conditions like eczema.