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What Causes Swollen And Painful Hands?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016
Question: Hello my name is XXXX and I am a female and am 66 yrs. young. I have had swollen and painful hands in the morning that lasts for hrs. from the time I get up. I have scoliosis and raynauds and other things have been diagnosed but my hands are so painful that I can't make a fist. So far I have been told it is not. rhuematoid arthritis yet I have cronic pain. I have these symptoms along with sore neck and shoulders that throb down my arms and I have seen many drs. that have told me what it is not and after a couple of yrs. I still have no answers and am totally frustrated. I recently I found our house has black mold and thought that might be a possibility scine these symptoms worsen in the winter when the furnace is on. My dr. says he doesn't know if he believes in black mold illnesses. Any ideas ? Thank you XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Black mold fungus causes allergies

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand your concerns.  

Black mold has been found to be linked with allergies and hypersensitivity

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

Many of the symptoms you have listed in your narrative history are linked to allergy and hypersensitivity. The black mold can cause it. I would also like to congratulate you for having a sharp eye and finding the cause of trouble yourself

Hope you found the answer helpful. In case you want to know about precautions and ways to remove this mould, here is the CDC Page for you http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm#Q1

If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions.

Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.

-oOo-

PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback.

PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (16 hours later)
Hello Dr., I apologize for not back to my e-mails but I am out of town with my husband so I don't have access to the internet until I am in my room. I am sorry but the diagnosis does not help me. I am fairly confidant that black mold is the culprit for at least a portion of my symptoms , which frankly are wearing me down because the last 2 to 3 yrs. of specialist, lots of pain and no answers. Yes there are all kinds of answers on the removal of black mold from your house and experts to do it. My question is how do you clear your body of it's exposure since my symptoms started around 3 yrs.ago. I find it hard to believe your body doesn't absorb it after time especially when one of the things that was tested was our furnace filters.Who believes these things happen to the body from black mold exposure? Not my Dr. so who can help me ? Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Live in an area without black mold and your body will clear itself

Detailed Answer:
Madam,

Your body has the capacity to clear molds. But that capacity is limited.

As long as the exposure is small, the body clears the mold and you don't get any symptoms
But
When there are lots of mold, more mold enter your body than what is being cleared by body's innate mechanism and hence you get the symptoms

when you have cleared your home of mold
or
when you move to a new home without mold

the body will itself clear the remaining mold in 6 to 8 weeks time

no other treatment is required
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bruno Mascarenhas

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 813 Questions

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What Causes Swollen And Painful Hands?

Brief Answer: Black mold fungus causes allergies Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HealthCareMagic.com I am Dr.J XXXXXXX Anto Bruno Mascarenhas, and I am here to help you. I have read your question with care and understand your concerns.   Black mold has been found to be linked with allergies and hypersensitivity In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children. Many of the symptoms you have listed in your narrative history are linked to allergy and hypersensitivity. The black mold can cause it. I would also like to congratulate you for having a sharp eye and finding the cause of trouble yourself Hope you found the answer helpful. In case you want to know about precautions and ways to remove this mould, here is the CDC Page for you http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm#Q1 If you need any clarification / have doubts / have additional questions / have follow up questions, then please do not hesitate in asking again. I will be happy to answer your questions. Best Wishes for Speedy Recovery Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care. -oOo- PS 1 : After all your doubts have been cleared, kindly (a) Close this Question (b) Rate my Replies and (c) Give your Feedback. PS 2 : In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly in HealthCareMagic at http://bit.ly/askdrbruno