Should my kids see a doctor for mold exposure?« Back to Previous Page

My kids have been coughing non-stop for the past month and we can't figure out why. I finally pulled their bed away from the wall in our Deira apartment and found a huge patch of black mold hidden behind it, probably from a slow AC leak. I'm really worried their cough is because of this. What are the health risks and should I take them to a doctor to get checked out specifically for mold exposure?
Posted by Minho Phan
Asked on April 25, 2026 8:15 am
Yes, you should take them to a doctor. The persistent cough is a significant symptom that needs medical evaluation. Be sure to inform the doctor about the mold discovery, as this context is crucial for their assessment.

The primary health risk from mold like this is respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. In the UAE's climate, where AC runs year-round, hidden condensation leaks are a common source of such problems. The constant exposure to mold spores in an enclosed space like a bedroom can absolutely cause or severely worsen a chronic cough, congestion, and asthma-like symptoms in children, who are more susceptible.

A doctor can determine if the cough is an allergic response, a sign of a developing sensitivity, or if a secondary infection is present. They can provide appropriate treatment to relieve your children's symptoms. For the mold itself, this is a serious case requiring professional remediation. Simply wiping it away is insufficient, as the spores will become airborne and the root moisture problem remains. The hidden leak in the AC system must be identified and repaired by a technician. The remediation process should include containment of the area and proper disposal of porous materials like contaminated drywall or insulation to prevent the spores from spreading throughout your Deira apartment. A post-remediation verification test, ideally from an independent lab, is the only way to confirm the space is safe again.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on April 25, 2026 9:37 pm