Move Over Mud Season, Mold Season Is The Real Monster

Vermont weather is a fickle beast, with more moods than a teenager on TikTok. We have a wide array of rapidly changing seasons: stick season, mud season, maple season, spring of deception, a little bit of summer, and a winter wonderland that lasts longer than most marriages. But hold onto your Bernie Mittens, folks, 'cause there's a new season in town: mold season. That's right, it's the allergy-inducing, sneak-up-on-you ninja-style season you never asked for, but you're getting it anyway. Who knew there was a whole season dedicated to mold?

As a fellow Zebra, I know firsthand how frustrating it can be when symptoms flare up suddenly without warning. Unfortunately, our symptoms may worsen in March and April in Vermont. This time of year is endearingly called "mold season" because the copious amount of mold launched into the air produces mycotoxins and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can trigger inflammation and allergic reactions, making our immune systems go haywire. Mold season in Vermont can be a real pain, exacerbating symptoms and making life more challenging for those of us with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MCAS, POTS, and other related conditions.

So if you're feeling worse than usual during this time of year, don't despair - it's not just you. Mold season is real, but there are things you can do to lessen its impact. 

What is Mold Season?

Mold counts increase significantly during spring as several factors combine to create the perfect conditions for mold growth. Firstly, as the snow melts and temperatures begin to rise, there is an increase in moisture levels in the environment. Mold requires a moist environment to grow and reproduce, so this increase in moisture provides an ideal breeding ground for mold spores. In addition to increased moisture levels, warmer temperatures in the spring also play a significant role in mold growth. Mold thrives in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the warmer temperatures in the spring provide the perfect environment for mold spores to grow and multiply.

As plants and vegetation grow during spring, they release mold spores into the air. These spores can travel through the air and increase outdoor mold counts. Wind and other weather patterns can also play a role in the distribution of mold spores in the environment, as they can pick up spores from one location and transport them to another.

While outdoor mold counts tend to be highest during the spring months, it's important to note that mold can also be a problem indoors. Mold can grow on any moist or damp surface, so if you have water damage or moisture issues in your home, you may be at risk for indoor mold growth. 

In conclusion, the spring mold season in Vermont can be challenging for those sensitive to mold or having respiratory issues. 

What does this mean if you have a connective tissue disorder?

If you have a connective tissue disorder, such as hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD), you may have noticed that your symptoms can worsen in response to environmental factors, including increased mold counts. This is partly because mold produces mycotoxins, toxic substances that can trigger inflammation. People with hypermobility often have an overactive immune system, which can cause inflammation and exacerbate symptoms. Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can further stimulate the immune system and increase inflammation, worsening overall symptoms.

In addition to mycotoxins, mold can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can trigger allergic reactions and other symptoms in people with hypermobility. VOC exposure can cause respiratory issues, headaches, and other symptoms exacerbating existing hypermobility symptoms.

It's also worth noting that many people with hypermobility also have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), related conditions that can further complicate their symptoms. MCAS is a condition where mast cells, a type of immune cell, are overactive and can trigger allergic reactions and other symptoms. POTS is a condition in which the body has difficulty regulating blood pressure and heart rate, leading to dizziness, fainting, and fatigue.

Both MCAS and POTS can be exacerbated by mold exposure. Mold can trigger mast cell activation and allergic reactions, increasing inflammation and worsening symptoms. Mold exposure can also cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate, further exacerbating POTS symptoms.

What can I do about it?

As always, the critical first step is to talk to your primary care doctor or specialist about what you are experiencing. Your doctor may want to tweak your treatment plan this time of year to reduce the impact of mold exposure on your symptoms. Some typical strategies your doctor may recommend include:

• Antihistamines: For people with MCAS, antihistamines can effectively manage allergic reactions triggered by mold exposure. Over-the-counter antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine can be helpful, but some people may require prescription-strength medications.

• Mast cell stabilizers: Mast cell stabilizing medications, such as cromolyn sodium, can help prevent mast cells from releasing histamine and triggering allergic reactions.

• Immunotherapy: In some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to desensitize the body to mold and other allergens.

• Topical creams: For people with skin irritation caused by mold exposure, topical creams or ointments can help relieve itching and discomfort.

You can also ask your doctor if these supportive herbs and supplements would be safe. Many of these have been shown to help your body manage increased histamine levels and allergic responses caused by mold exposure:

Natural remedies:

• Herbal teas: Some herbs, such as nettle, chamomile, and ginger, have natural antihistamine properties and can help alleviate allergic reactions caused by mold exposure. Drinking these teas regularly can help manage symptoms.

• Probiotics: Research suggests that probiotics may help reduce inflammation and histamine levels. Consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, or taking a probiotic supplement can help improve gut health and reduce allergic responses.

• Quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid in many fruits and vegetables with natural antihistamine properties. Taking a quercetin supplement can help reduce allergic responses and inflammation.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation, stabilize histamine levels, and boost the immune system. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods, such as broccoli and bell peppers, or taking a vitamin C supplement can help manage symptoms of mold exposure.

• Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral necessary for immune function and can help reduce inflammation. Consuming magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens and nuts, or taking a magnesium supplement can help manage symptoms.

It's important to note that natural remedies may not work for everyone, so please consult your physician before starting any new treatment or supplement. Some natural remedies may interact negatively with medications or have potential side effects, so it's essential to research and speak with a professional.

We can't control what Mother Nature does outside, but we can improve our indoor spaces to help alleviate symptoms. To prevent mold in your home during the spring mold season, it's essential to keep your indoor humidity levels low (below 50%), fix any leaks or water damage as soon as you find them, and ensure proper ventilation in your home. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your HVAC system, including air ducts and filters, can also help prevent mold growth. You can try these other home remedy strategies as well:

• Air purifiers: Using an air purifier with a HEPA filter can help remove mold spores and other allergens from the air.

• Dehumidifiers: Reducing indoor humidity levels to below 50% can help prevent mold growth.

• Cleaning: Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can help prevent mold growth. Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda are all effective natural cleaners that can help kill mold.

• Essential oils: Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil, have antifungal properties and can help prevent mold growth. Adding a few drops of these oils to a diffuser or spray bottle can help keep mold at bay.

If you suspect you have a significant mold problem in your home, it's essential to contact a professional mold remediation company to get a proper assessment and plan to address the issue. Prolonged mold exposure can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues, allergies, and headaches.

In conclusion

So there you have it - mold season is a real pain in the neck (and back, and head, and knees, etc.), but we're not going to let it get the best of us. We'll fight back with all we've got - low humidity levels, prompt water damage fixes, and air purifiers that'll make those mold spores tremble. And if we suspect there's a real mold monster lurking in the shadows, we'll call in the pros to take care of it. Whether battling mycotoxins, VOCs, or just plain frustration, we'll keep fighting the good fight. Because when it comes to our health, we don't mess around. 

Let's raise a glass to Vermont's most unwelcome season and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer - without the pesky mold-induced symptoms, and may it never dampen our spirits or defeat our resolve.