It happens that we seem to catch a cold, treat ourselves, but it doesn't go away. We start taking antibiotics or resort to folk remedies, delve into homeopathy, bioresonance, turn to shamans and healers—anything just to ease the cough. But it persists. Some acquaintances begin to scare us with asthma.
Sometimes the cause may lie in ordinary household mold. We are not as susceptible to it in Russia, where the climate is generally dry. In Bali, it's humid, and mold can grow anywhere—under the bed, behind the wardrobe. It may go unnoticed during regular cleaning. If it grows slowly in your home while you live there, you may even get used to its smell.
If you have developed a mysterious cough that just won't go away, it might be time for a thorough cleaning of your home. Check all surfaces and corners. Get rid of all clutter and let more fresh air into the house.
This issue is especially relevant for residents of the shaded and humid Ubud.
If you've been bothered by a cough, try to spend a couple of days in another house—preferably a completely new one with fresh cleaning, brand-new bedding, and pillows. If you have no contraindications, take the standard dose of an antihistamine, such as Claritin or Cetirizine (Zyrtec) for a day or two.
If you experience improvement, it means there's some catch in your house.
Types of household mold. What enemy to look for?
- Black mold – Enemy #1. This is the most common type of mold that can affect any surface: wallpaper, paint, plaster, wood, concrete, etc. If not dealt with, it can eventually cause insomnia, dizziness, fever, headaches, and in the worst case, asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis, pneumonia, and even lung cancer.
- White mold usually appears in flower pots as a reaction to excessive moisture or the use of certain fertilizers. Its impact on humans can manifest as an allergy.
- Green mold can appear on food products: consuming contaminated food can lead to serious illnesses. Green mold also occasionally affects building materials, such as bricks.
- Blue mold often appears on wooden surfaces in the home: parquet, frames, furniture, etc. They begin to acquire an unpleasant muted blue shade, the paint layer deteriorates, and even the coating does not help.
- Rot mold – another enemy of wood. Depending on certain features, the wood may acquire a gray or brownish hue, become lighter, cracks appear, etc.
Depending on the level of mold spread in the house, symptoms can vary: first affecting the respiratory system, and then the entire body. The presence of the fungus is evidenced by the appearance of cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, and chronic respiratory diseases.
Mold can also cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fatigue.
How to choose mold-free housing?
Do not rent accommodation with mold on the walls. Sometimes it is impossible to eradicate it with regular cleaning because the house was built in violation of construction norms, and mold will return again.
Do not rent accommodation with poor ventilation, dampness, and carefully check for the smell of mold when you come for inspection.
Look for accommodation that is well-lit by the sun during the day and dries well.
You can add one right now!