Just a query basically about damp and mold. My mum visited my flat and has found it to be damp/musty/moldy...just wondering how bad an affect it can have for an asthmatic, is there tests to see if mold is causing the attacks and what would people do treat mold or move asap!?!?
Xx
You could ask for a allergy test for mould etc,
If you are having problems with it in the mean time I would ring your doc etc
to see if there is anything you could take xxxx
edit,skin prick test takes only 15 mins and results there and then.
Think allergy tabs can help but would check with your doc xxx
Mold or damp can be a pronlem for some asthmatics. I think there is an allergy skin prick test to see if.mold affects you. This test could also give you an idea of how severe your allergy to mold might be and therefore how much it might be affecting you.
Sorry i dont know what one does to get rid of mold? I hope this maybe answers at least some of your questions anyway.
My daughter had allergy blood tests, one of which was for mold spores.
Contact your dr/cons and see if you can have the simple test. It would settle your mind at least.
To get rid of the mould get someone else to wash the affected area with an antimould wash or bleach (it is advisable to wear a face mask to prevent breathing in too many spores). Don't do it yourself as if you are allergic to it or it is a trigger for your asthma it can make things worse. With regard to damp make sure you open windows and use extractor fans when cooking, having a bath /shower and dry washing indoors.
Moulds can aggrevate your asthma control, cause severe asthma with fungal sensitization, Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis and various other forms of aspergillosis.
Like others said you can get skin prick tests and RAST tests for various moulds e.g. aspergillus, penicillium, alternaria etc
Thanx people, im currently an impatient anyway, so thatll be the first thing il ask for on monday, presuming i can have done on hi dose steroids?!
Xx
Damp, mould and dust definitely bad for asthmatics. We brought a dehumidifier to get rid of excess moisture and it's one of the best things we ever brought. We run it in the hall in the winter and also the kitchen - it's amazing how much water it sucks out of the air.
Dehumidifier
Before buying a dehumidifier, check what the lowest temperature is that it will work at. Most of the dehumidifiers on sale at High Street stores etc will cease to work below a certain temperature. If your house is quite cold it may be that your dehumidifier will sound as though it's working but in actual fact no dehumidifying is going on, because it can't function at that low a temperature.
Also make sure it has a defrost facility and that it is energy efficient - it will be on for many hours a day if not 24 hours a day. I tend to put mine on a timer switch.
If you go to ebacdirect.com you will find all sorts of help pages and short videos to explain the different types of dehumidifier.
I've used dehumidifiers in the house now since about 1984. I had an Ebac for about 15 years, then a cheap one which broke down v. quickly, then a slimline Mitsubishi one, which I'm still using. I also have another Ebac one now which I got second hand. The amount of water they pull from the air is amazing. If you're going to get one, get a good one.
I am allergic to moulds so yes it does have an impact, and yes I did have skin prick tests to diagnose this. I have found that the best way to control dampness in the home, is keep your home warm (not hot) as much as possible. Keep windows open as much as possible to encourage air flow through out the home, and help stop the build up of condensation. Trying not to dry too many damp clothes throughout the home during winter also helps, because surprisingly (I discovered this last winter) I discovered my curtains had gone all mildewed after drying clothes on a hanger over the winter near to them. Also if any damp spots do appear I get my husband to treat them with a good quality bleach. The damp you see (the black stuff) is actually mould that has died, living mould will underneath or behind paint work or wallpaper. (Some thing I have learnt from a husband who used to work in properties damaged by water) Like other posters dehumifiers can help remove dampness from the environment but other simply measures I have previously mentioned may well be enough!
Thanks to all...i got a feeling i have a leaking pipe though which possibly has been going for some time...thinking this becuase mould was found on internal wall where pipes are...i have windows ajar all the time...heating is always on a mildish temp and i havnt dried any washing inside my home so far this winter...was going to see if i could get enviornmental health in as my asthma has really only hit the roof again since i moved into this new place 
Advice needed!
Dehumidifier - worth getting?
I have Asthma induced exercise, do I need to change the inhaler?
When is asthma asthma and when asthma not asthma?
asthma problems in downstairs bedroom
