In general, Pneumonitis refers to any condition that inflames the lung tissue. Pneumonitis is most often caused by airborne irritants, like mold spores. Characterized by breathing difficulties, and sometimes a cough, it is important that pneumonitis is properly diagnosed and treated so chronic pneumonitis is not developed. This can happen with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is caused often by mold.
Pneumonitis can become very serious, especially if it is left untreated. The damage pneumonitis can cause to lungs is permanent, and pulmonary fibrosis can develop, eventually leading to respiratory failure and heart failure. Pulmonary fibrosis can be fatal.
Symptoms of Pneumonitis
The most common symptom is breathing difficulties. Shortness of breath is often paired with a dry cough for pneumonitis sufferers. Other symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and a loss of appetite. Contact a medical professional if you are having breathing problems, even if none of the other symptoms are present; breathing difficulties are often a sign of a greater problem, and medical intervention may be necessary.
Causes of Pneumonitis
As mentioned earlier, mold is just one cause of pneumonitis. Many substances can irritate your lungs, causing inflammation. Some medications and other medical treatments such as radiation can cause pneumonitis. Exposure to some birds can also cause pneumonitis.
Mold is a common cause. Mold spores growing on damp or rotting organic material such as wood or hay can be disturbed, causing these spores to become airborne and inhaled. Pneumonitis causing mold is also common in hot tubs and humidifiers; the mold that can grow here is often inhaled in the mist these devices create. Certain types of molds produce certain types of pneumonitis often enough that they now have nicknames such as “hot tub lung” or “farmer’s lung.”
Treatments for Pneumonitis
One of the best ways to start treating pneumonitis is to remove what has caused the problem in the first place. This means removing any mold you find in your home. If any objects are moldy they need to be discarded, and if the mold is on a wall or other surface that absolutely cannot be thrown away, it needs to be cleaned with bleach and hot water before being treated with an antibacterial agent.
When cleaning mold, it would be in your best interest to take precautions to avoid exposure as much as possible. Masks and gloves are a great start. Eyewear is also advisable. If there is a lot of mold, it might be best to consult with a professional. You should also do your best to remove the causes of the mold. Anything that is soggy or damp should be removed from your home and dried out before mold has the opportunity to grow. Dehumidifiers should be used to dry any damp areas. If a moisture problem is due to persistent pluming leaks, reoccurring basement flooding, or a drainage problem, seek a professional to remedy the problem. While removing the source of the pneumonitis this usually help reduce the symptoms immediately, additional treatment may be necessary for severe cases. Corticosteroids, antibiotics, and oxygen therapy may need to be utilized.
Conclusion
Pneumonitis can be a very serious condition, and it is commonly caused by mold exposure. If you experience any breathing difficulties, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, especially if you believe that you have pneumonitis. If left untreated pneumonitis can develop into a deadly chronic condition.
Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms of pneumonitis or any other mold-related symptom, it is vital to stop the growth of mold in your home. Just because the mold hasn’t made you or a member of your family sick does not mean that you will not become ill in the very near future. To keep everyone safe and healthy, it is important to keep your home free of mold. Remove any mold and quickly remedy the problems that cause damp, moist conditions in which mold flourishes.
