Asthma Due to Fungi

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Asthma Due to Fungi

American Chronicle - Beverly Hills,CA*

Subodh Jain

August 8, 2007

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?

articleID=34560

Studies show that fungal exposure is a significant causative agent

of asthma.

Where one should look for presence of fungus growth?

Inside house:

* Damp walls

* Damp places such as bathrooms, basement

* Refrigerator

* Furniture

* Shoes, leather belts

* Paper, old newspaper

* Bread, potato, red chilli

Outside house:

* Piles of leaves

* Cow-buffalo dung

* All organic material

* Wood

How does fungus trigger asthma?

Fungi release tiny seeds called spores into the air, which can

trigger asthma symptoma in some people. These spores are found in

any damp place – from piles of fallen tree leaves and woody areas,

bathrooms, kitchens, damp leather articles and even piles of damp

clothes.

For people sensitive to fungi, inhaling fungi spores can cause an

asthma attack leading from moderate to severe. Indoor fungal

exposure also contributes to asthma severity. Many patients complain

that their asthma is aggravated by damp housing, especially if there

is visible fungi growth. Fungi can be found almost anywhere; they

grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present.

What are the symptoms?

Allergic reactions to fungus can range from mild to severe and from

transitory to chronic. Symptoms differ from person to person

depending on the type of fungi and the resistance power of the

person. However some of the common characteristics of asthma due to

fungal allergens include:

* Chest tightness

* Wheezing

* Recurrent symptoms of fever and the presence of pulmonary

infiltrates

* Fatigue

* Cough, sneezing, itching

* Nasal discharge

* Dyspnea that worsens with exposure to the allergen

Symptoms typically occur within an hour of exposure. This type of

asthma occurence is more common in farmers, bakers, dairymen,

carpenters, and mushroom growers who are exposed to high levels of

fungus.

Treatment:

Fungi related asthma cannot be cured. But the symptoms of the

allergy can be reduced by avoiding contact with the spores. Several

preventive measures and a bit of alertness on behalf of the person

will help.

Most asthma patients of this kind have mild symptoms which are well

controlled with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator therapy; but a

minority of asthma patients land up with life threatening severe

airway inflammation and airflow obstruction requiring hospital

admissions.

Medications should always be taken on the advise of a medical

practitioner.

What actions should one take to prevent fungus related asthma

attacks?

If fungi is a problem in your home, you need to clean it up and

eliminate sources of moisture. There is no practical way to

eliminate all fungus indoors; the way to control indoor fungi growth

is to control moisture.

* Ensure the house is well ventilated.

* Avoid areas (such as gardens or compost) that may contain fungi

spores.

* Wash the fungus off hard surfaces with soap and water; and dry

completely. Moisture absorbent materials may need to be replaced if

they are contaminated with fungus.

* Fix up leaking or blocked taps, pipes and other sources of water.

* Keep your air conditioner, refrigerator clean and dry.

* Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking.

* Expel clothes dryer to the outside.

* Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative

humidity. Fungus grows on damp things such as shower curtains, bath

items, tubs, basins, damp clothes, shoes.

* Remember to dry leather articles well in humid season, especially

belts, jackets, shoes.

* Check fungus growth in the water cooler & air conditioners and

remove it by using fungal killers.

* Indoor plants should be avoided.

* Use air conditioning with a high efficiency particulate air filter

attachment. It will help trap spores before they enter the house.

* Fungicides may be added to paint, primer or wallpaper paste to

slow fungus growth on treated areas.

* Clean garbage pails frequently.

* Polyurethane and rubber foams are especially prone to fungus

invasion. If bedding is made ith these foams, it should be covered

in plastic.

* Throw away old books, newspapers, clothing or bedding.

* Completely shaded homes dry slowly, and surrounding dense bushes

and other plants often promote dampness. In the winter, condensation

on cold walls encourage fungal growth. Take care of all this.

If you think you have a fungi related asthma problem and can see

fungi growth in your house and around, simply clean the fungus from

the surface it's growing on and dry the surface thoroughly. That's

the only way you can prevent a visit to the doctor.

Read out Asthma inhalers . Also check out for asthma medication and

asthma treatment