Could this mold be causing our persistent cough?« Back to Previous Page

Yes, the mold behind your wardrobe could definitely be causing your persistent cough and congestion, especially since symptoms worsen at night when you're in that room. Black spots spreading on a wall are a clear sign of an active moisture issue, and the spores they release are a common irritant to the respiratory system.

In Dubai's climate, this is a frequent problem. Constant AC use creates significant temperature differences between cooled rooms and the hot, humid air in wall cavities, leading to condensation—the perfect environment for mold to grow unseen behind furniture. Your situation is a textbook case of hidden condensation mold.

For your safety, do not attempt to clean this yourself. Disturbing it will aerosolize a high concentration of spores, potentially making your symptoms much worse. The safest approach is a professional inspection to identify the exact moisture source—whether it's condensation, a hidden pipe leak, or seepage from an external wall. A certified inspector can also take an air or surface sample for lab analysis to identify the mold species, which determines the appropriate remediation protocol.

Proper remediation involves containing the area, using HEPA filtration to capture spores, safely removing contaminated materials like drywall, and treating the area with antimicrobial solutions. Crucially, the underlying moisture problem must be fixed to prevent it from returning immediately. Once the source is addressed and the mold is professionally removed, your respiratory symptoms should begin to subside.