Should we see a doctor for cough from hidden mold?« Back to Previous Page
|
My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I was cleaning behind the wardrobe in our master bedroom and found a huge patch of black mold on the wall, probably from a hidden leak in the AC pipe. It’s been there a while and I'm really worried it's making us sick.
**Should we see a doctor immediately, and who do I call first to properly fix this – a regular handyman or a specialized mold remediation company?**
|
|
Persistent coughs in children, especially lasting a month, warrant a doctor's visit. A pediatrician can assess their symptoms and determine if they're related to environmental factors like mold exposure. Be sure to mention your discovery of the hidden mold, as this is critical information for their diagnosis.
For the mold itself, a specialized mold remediation company is the correct first call, not a handyman. The black patch indicates a significant moisture issue, likely from a leaking AC condensate drain pipe, which is common here due to year-round AC use and high humidity. A handyman might fix the leak but won't address the hidden contamination or the airborne spores, which can spread during cleaning. A proper remediation team will first contain the area, safely remove the contaminated materials, identify and rectify the moisture source, and use HEPA filtration to clean the air. Crucially, they should provide verification that the issue is resolved, often through post-remediation testing. In Dubai's climate, simply wiping the mold away is ineffective; the underlying humidity problem must be solved to prevent immediate regrowth. Start by getting your children checked, then contact a professional with the credentials to handle the source and the contamination safely. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: