Is black mold causing my cough and stuffy nose?« Back to Previous Page

The black mould behind your wardrobe is very likely causing your symptoms, especially given the timing after the recent humidity. The damp, earthy smell is a classic indicator of active microbial growth. Inhaling mould spores in a confined space like a bedroom commonly causes the exact respiratory irritation you're describing: a persistent stuffy nose, dry cough, and general congestion.

Your first step is to avoid disturbing the patch. Do not touch it or try to clean it with bleach, as this can aerosolize millions of spores. Immediately increase ventilation in the room by opening windows and running any exhaust fans. Move the wardrobe away from the wall to allow air to circulate around the affected area, but do so gently to minimize spore release.

The root cause is almost certainly excess moisture, which is a widespread issue in Dubai villas after rain events. This moisture gets trapped behind furniture against exterior walls, creating a perfect breeding ground. Given the visible spread and your health reaction, a professional inspection is strongly advised to assess the extent within the wall cavity and identify the moisture source. For health and safety, remediation should be handled by a certified technician using containment and HEPA filtration to prevent cross-contamination. A company with its own microbiology lab can provide a species identification report, which is the only way to know exactly what you're dealing with.