Repeated Sinus Infections? Black Mold May Be the Problem

Several months ago I took a trip into rarely chartered territory-our basement. Two years ago a pipe burst down there and my husband supposedly threw away everything ruined by the flood. Our basement is unfinished and felt damp prior to the flood but on this trip downstairs I could feel the moldy moisture in the air. My mom had a box of disposable masks from her needing them during chemotherapy treatment. I grabbed one of the masks, returned to our home, and headed downstairs.

Every other cardboard box I picked up was damp or soaked wet. Several had a bizarre black growth under them that I readily identified as mildew. This growth is notorious for developing in areas with high humidity and no light. I proceeded to toss everything in the boxes that was damp and began wondering-was this part of the cause of my family's repeated sinus infections?

I was surprised to learn that 90 percent of all chronic sinusitis problems are caused by mold in the home or workplace. My son, daughter, and I have lowered immune systems-theirs because of being children and mine because of long-term effects from chemotherapy. The mildew had been in our basement for two years and upon further inspection of our home there was additional growth underneath our kitchen sink. About one year ago a pipe under the sink ruptured and ruined the wood underneath. I cleared the growth from underneath the sink and it seemed our sinus problems were better for a while-until it grew back.

Prior to discovering the mold, I assumed the chronic infections were coming from exposure to other children at school. Sinus infections that are caught in that way tend to clear with antibiotics. Ours were not improving and we went to the doctor every few weeks for several months. Once I cleared the mildew from underneath our sink the second time the sinus infections improved.

There are several signs indicating a potential mildew problem in your home or workplace. Environmental circumstances such as high humidity, water or pipe leaks, flooding, mildew odors, and increased allergy symptoms are only a few signs mildew could be lingering in your home. If a person is poisoned by black mold the signs may be irritated mucus membranes or in later cases headaches, decreased attention span, and dizziness.

Mold testing and mold kits can be purchased if you are unsure there is black mold in your home. If you are certain mildew is in your home then products specific for the removal of it can also be purchased. Many people use bleach but opinions differ as to the effectiveness of this solution. Bleach is limited in its ability to clean the growth.. For example, bleach cannot clean carpet, upholstery, or dirty surfaces. If bleach is used one cup of bleach should be mixed with one gallon of water.

Professionals can also help with mildew removal. Some people may not be prone to have any effects from the presence of mildew but for my family its removal has made a big difference.