Everyone knows the telltale signs of a cold—runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, and sneezing. However, sometimes these symptoms are an indication that there is mold in your home, which can pose a far more serious health hazard. The guide below will help you determine if you have a cold or need professional mold testing and removal.

What Are the Symptoms of Mold Exposure?

Mold symptoms are caused by an allergy, while a cold is usually caused by a virus. The reactions you experience are due to your immune system overreacting to the presence of mold spores. 

Exposure to mold can cause symptoms that are very similar to those of the common cold, including itchy and watery eyes, coughing, stuffy or runny nose, and sore throat. For this reason, many people are not even aware when they have mold in their home.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Cold & Mold Symptoms?

It isn’t necessary to test your home for mold every time you get the sniffles, so how can you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms? One of the major signs that you are dealing with an allergy, rather than a cold, is the length of your illness. 

Colds can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. If your symptoms persist past two weeks, see your doctor. They will perform a physical exam, ask questions about your health and symptoms, and possibly run a few tests. A blood or skin test is typically used to diagnose a mold allergy.

Some people with serious mold allergies also experience asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing or difficulty breathing. You might notice that your symptoms get worse when the weather is damp. If someone in your home has asthma, mold can cause severe reactions and may trigger an attack. Individuals who are immunocompromised could develop a lung infection.

What Should You Do About Mold in Your Home?

If your doctor confirms that you are allergic to mold, consider scheduling mold testing services. While mold is commonly found in moist areas like bathrooms, it might not always be visible. Mold removal specialists sometimes find high levels of mold in walls, insulation, upholstery, mattresses, attics, and even stuffed toys. 

Mold spores are everywhere, and you cannot get rid of them completely, but mold remediation services can significantly reduce the amount of it in your home. They will also show you how to prevent mold growth in the future. Controlling mold levels can help eliminate mold-related symptoms and improve the quality of your air.

When you suspect you’re dealing with a mold infestation, contact A1 Mold Testing & Remediation Services. With locations in Lincoln and Omaha, NE, they provide efficient and thorough mold removal services to residents across the Midwest. Their experienced team knows how and where to find mold, and they have the equipment and technology to mitigate the problem, no matter how severe the spread. Learn more about mold testing online. To schedule testing or remediation services, call (402) 474-6653 to reach their Lincoln location or (402) 964-2080 for the office in Omaha.