HomeAnswersInternal Medicinefungal infectionCan orange mold cause chest tightness?

Is it possible to get lung infection through orange mold?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At March 7, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 5, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

This afternoon, I decided to clean my bathroom of mould, using gloves, but no mask (I chose to help my breath instead). There was orange mould on the inside of the bath, and black mold on the walls. I used a wet sponge to clean off the orange mould. It was easy to remove, as it was soft and slimey. I held my breath, and cleaned it quickly, then came back to clean some more, and so on until it was all gone. I also held by breath to clean off the black mould, which I scraped off. At no point did I breathe in any mold smell. However, a few minutes after cleaning the orange mold, I returned to shower it off, and there was still a musty smell of mold, I only breathed it in for a second, because I held my breath even for this task. But I am worried the small amount I breathed in could affect me. I am very sensitive to strong smells, and can suffer tightness of the chest; although I am not asthmatic. I do however suffer from hypothyroidism. Is there a danger I could have negatively impacted my lungs/breathing?

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Different types of molds can give hyper-reactive response to the airways. It is always advisable to wear mask as much as possible. You may still be exposed despite of you holding your breath but if you have no Immediate shortness of breath or chest tightness then it is less likely to effect you. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I should have worn a mask, I now know that. I do not have shortness of breath, but I do feel some tightness around my chest and throat. Can orange mold do this, is orange mold dangerous?

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is not the type of mold that we worry about as much as your body’s response to the exposure. I would suggest calling your primary care doctor for a quick visit if your symptoms are mild, if you have a steroid inhaler (I saw Betamethasone) then you should use it daily. If your symptoms are severe enough you may need oral steroids and ED Visit. You may also benefit from inhaled Beta agonist which I do not see in your medication list like a nebulizer (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Internal Medicine

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