Pulmonary Hemorrhage: Overview
Pulmonary hemorrhage is an extremely serious condition. In layman’s terms, pulmonary hemorrhage is bleeding from the lungs. When one has pulmonary hemorrhage, bleeding is not only from the lungs, but also from the upper respiratory tract and the endotracheal tube. Usually, however, by the time this condition is diagnosed, bleeding is occurring in one third or more of the lungs, and additional areas are experiencing hemorrhaging as well.
This condition has been associated with exposure to certain types of mold. Black mold, a variety of toxic mold, has been associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. While there has yet to be any conclusive studies linking the two, most experts and parents think it is best to err on the side of caution when dealing with what could be a potentially deadly microscopic fungus if their child is exposed.
What is Pulmonary Hemorrhage?
Pulmonary hemorrhage, or bleeding of the lungs, starts with bodily fluids oozing from the nose and endotracheal tube. This is followed by similar loss of bodily fluids from other sites as well, albeit to a lesser extent. As bleeding continues in the lungs, upper respiratory tract, the endotracheal tube, and other locations, some with this illness will experience problems with respiration along with cyanosis and even shock.
If someone has a pulmonary hemorrhage, treatment should begin immediately. The fluids bleeding out need to be suctioned, and patients need oxygen, positive pressure ventilation, and any other concerns that could cause or exasperate this condition need to be remedied. In some cases, those with pulmonary hemorrhage will need a blood transfusion. This condition has a high mortality rate, 30% to 40%, particularly in preterm infants.
What causes it?
This common is most prevalent in infants. There are several potential causes for pulmonary hemorrhage which differ from case to case. Most cases are found in premature infants. Often pulmonary hemorrhage is also found in children with bleeding disorders and other existing problems.
It has been suggested time and time again that black mold, a toxic mold, is one of the potential causes of pulmonary hemorrhage. This has yet to be proven, but it seems that it is best to avoid infants coming in contact with mold altogether to help preserve their health.
Conclusion
There is no conclusive evidence that black mold is one of the several causes for pulmonary hemorrhage. This is, however, a horrible and painful condition, which means that it is best to err on the side of caution. Molds can cause all sorts of health problems, so it is advisable to avoid exposing children to any sort of mold at all costs.
To avoid mold, you should make sure that your home is not damp or humid. If it is, you should take the necessary measure to dry your home as soon as possible. Stopping the source of moisture is the first step. It is advisable to remove any items that are saturated or damp to prevent further mold growth. If an underlying water problem exists, it is best to fix any leaks, drainage issues or other problems that lead to conditions that are hospitable to mold growth.
If you find mold in your home remove it, whether or not you have children. Some mold can make people of any age fall ill, even if they are of otherwise good health. Discard any moldy items, and clean things that you can’t throw away with hot water and bleach before treating with a chemical antibacterial product.
Pulmonary hemorrhage is just one condition that mold may or may not cause. There are too many ways in which mold can make you or your family ill, so it is best to do what you can to prevent mold exposure in order to keep your family happy, healthy, and safe.
