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Question: Hi, I recently discovered I was living in a home with mold. I developed dermatographia, fatigue, and POTS symptoms. I noticed on my recent bloodwork that I am attaching, that my total protein levels are slightly elevated. Can this be caused by the mold exposure?
Brief Answer:
It maybe due to polluted air
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Kindly describe your symptoms in details so that I am better able to help. What are the POTS symptoms that you have developed? Since when?
Mold infections usually result in lung problems.
I have seen your reports. Most of the report is normal. Only protein levels are raised but albumin levels are normal. It can mean that globulin levels are above normal. It can indirectly suggest that immunoglobulins maybe raised. It can mean that immunity is getting triggered to some antigen. But eosinophil levels are normal. So its probably allergy (maybe to mold). It maynot be infection due to mold.
You can get chest X- ray to find if lungs got affected due to mold.
Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further
Dr Vaishalee
It maybe due to polluted air
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
Kindly describe your symptoms in details so that I am better able to help. What are the POTS symptoms that you have developed? Since when?
Mold infections usually result in lung problems.
I have seen your reports. Most of the report is normal. Only protein levels are raised but albumin levels are normal. It can mean that globulin levels are above normal. It can indirectly suggest that immunoglobulins maybe raised. It can mean that immunity is getting triggered to some antigen. But eosinophil levels are normal. So its probably allergy (maybe to mold). It maynot be infection due to mold.
You can get chest X- ray to find if lungs got affected due to mold.
Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
POTS symptoms, increased heart rate when going from a sitting or laying position to a standing position. It is now well controlled with Metoprolol.
The only lung issue I have is when I lay down flat on my back for a while, I get an occasional wheeze.
Are the elevated total proteins concerning?
The only lung issue I have is when I lay down flat on my back for a while, I get an occasional wheeze.
Are the elevated total proteins concerning?
Brief Answer:
POTS is possible after mold exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
There is some evidence to suggest that mycotoxins (due to mold) may induce auto-antibodies. Auto-antibodies may attack α3 acetylcholine receptors of the peripheral ganglia and cause partial dysautonomia. This may lead to POTS.
Yes it is vital to inhale clean air. Inhaled antigens can trigger immunity and cause variety of auto-immune disorders.
Elevated total proteins are mild and not worrisome till now.
All this suggests mild triggering of immunity. It can get worse if exposure to antigens continues.
Dr Vaishalee
POTS is possible after mold exposure
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
There is some evidence to suggest that mycotoxins (due to mold) may induce auto-antibodies. Auto-antibodies may attack α3 acetylcholine receptors of the peripheral ganglia and cause partial dysautonomia. This may lead to POTS.
Yes it is vital to inhale clean air. Inhaled antigens can trigger immunity and cause variety of auto-immune disorders.
Elevated total proteins are mild and not worrisome till now.
All this suggests mild triggering of immunity. It can get worse if exposure to antigens continues.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I have moved out of the mold infested home and am in a new clean environment. What other steps would be advised for treatment? Are the proteins concerning as of now?
Brief Answer:
Many precautions needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Apart from moving away from the infested home, you will need to take precautions from other triggers that can cause asthma like symptoms. The triggers can be cold air, dust, bird droppings, pollen etc. Also avoid unnecessary medications. Steroids are used to suppress immunity but are not proven useful on long term. Atleast for sometime these precautions will be needed until your immunity clears out the antigens.
Hopefully you will live a normal life after that.
No proteins are not worrisome as of now. You can start living your life until any further health issues.
Dr Vaishalee
Many precautions needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Apart from moving away from the infested home, you will need to take precautions from other triggers that can cause asthma like symptoms. The triggers can be cold air, dust, bird droppings, pollen etc. Also avoid unnecessary medications. Steroids are used to suppress immunity but are not proven useful on long term. Atleast for sometime these precautions will be needed until your immunity clears out the antigens.
Hopefully you will live a normal life after that.
No proteins are not worrisome as of now. You can start living your life until any further health issues.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Is my basophils absolute count of 0.1 abnormal? I read it can mean Leukemia.
Brief Answer:
Its normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Your absolute basophil count is within normal limits and there is no need to worry about it.
In some regions of world, drinking water can be contaminated with mold. Kindly check that also. Drink water of lesser PPM (parts per million).
Dr Vaishalee
Its normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Your absolute basophil count is within normal limits and there is no need to worry about it.
In some regions of world, drinking water can be contaminated with mold. Kindly check that also. Drink water of lesser PPM (parts per million).
Dr Vaishalee
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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