Should we see a doctor for mold exposure cough?« Back to Previous Page
|
The AC in my apartment seems to have been leaking a bit into the wall behind it in our master bedroom. We first spotted a small dark patch a couple of months ago but it’s grown, and now my husband and I both have this persistent dry cough that’s worse at night. I’m really worried it’s the mold causing it. Should we be seeing a specific type of doctor here to get checked for mold exposure?
|
|
Yes, you should see a doctor for a cough that coincides with a known mold issue. A persistent dry cough that worsens at night is a classic symptom of exposure to mold spores, which are easily aerosolized by your AC unit and then inhaled.
In the UAE, the combination of high humidity and year-round AC use creates perfect conditions for mold growth inside walls from leaks like yours. This is a very common issue here. You should visit a general practitioner or family medicine doctor first. Be specific: tell them about the water leak, the visible mold growth, and that your symptoms began around the same time. This context is crucial. They can assess your respiratory symptoms and rule out other common causes. For the mold itself, the growing patch indicates an active moisture problem that won't resolve on its own. A professional inspection is needed to assess the extent of the hidden damage within the wall cavity, identify the mold species, and create a remediation plan. Simply cleaning the visible spot is insufficient, as the root cause is the ongoing moisture from the AC leak. Addressing the source is the only way to stop the exposure and your symptoms. |
Please log in to post questions/answers: