Is my son's AC mold causing his cough and runny nose?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, it is very possible the mold from the AC leak is causing your son's persistent respiratory symptoms. The constant runny nose and cough that don't respond to typical medication are classic signs of exposure to mold spores, particularly in a sleeping area where he spends many hours. The black patch indicates active growth, which releases spores and microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) into the air he breathes.

In Dubai's climate, AC units are a primary source of indoor moisture due to condensation, and leaks create the perfect damp environment for mold like Cladosporium or Stachybotrys (often black) to flourish. This is a common issue in villas and apartments here.

Your immediate step should be to address the source. Move the wardrobe to fully expose the moldy wall and stop using that AC unit until it can be inspected and repaired. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with bleach, as improper scrubbing can aerosolize the spores and worsen the problem. A professional inspection is needed to assess the wall cavity for hidden growth and to fix the AC leak at its source.

For your son's health, a visit to a pediatrician or an allergist is recommended to discuss the mold exposure. They can determine if his symptoms are allergic or irritant-based. Clinics like Medcare or Emirates Hospital have strong pediatrics departments, or you could visit a specialist at the Dubai London Clinic. Be sure to tell them about the mold discovery, as this is a critical piece of information for their diagnosis. They may suggest specific allergy tests. Resolving the mold issue is often the most important part of stopping the symptoms for good.