“Mayo Clinic researchers have proposed that most chronic sinus infections may be caused by an immune system response to fungi.”

“Our original study linking chronic rhinosinusitis to fungi in the nose, which was published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings in September 1999, has been reproduced and confirmed by a sinus center in Europe (ENT University Hospital in Graz, Austria)” . According to Mayo Clinic, "Although a mold allergy is the most common problem caused by exposure to mold, mold can cause illness without causing an allergic reaction." "the symptoms of a toxic reaction may also include flu-like symptoms, eye and skin irritation, and breathing troubles."

Asthma triggers: Researchers look to fungal infections as a cause. Dr. Kita's research provided evidence, the direct connection “Aspergillosis is a group of illnesses caused by a certain type of mold. These illnesses usually affect the respiratory system. The mold that triggers the illnesses, aspergillus, occurs widely indoors and outdoors. In some people, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Other people develop mild to serious lung infections. The most serious form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond. Depending on the type of aspergillosis, treatment may involve observation, antifungal medications or, in rare cases, surgery.

American Lung Association

“Anyone -- with or without allergies -- may experience irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs when exposed to airborne mold particles.”

“Studies show that mold odors in the home can increase the rates of asthma in children up to 2.5 times and exposure to mold during infancy is linked to the development of chronic inflammation of the lung airways, which causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.”

“Mold has also been linked to: Worsening of asthma, Coughing, Wheezing, Nasal congestion, Sore throat, Sneezing, Rhinitis.”

“An uncommon disease known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been associated with exposure to indoor mold in people who have weakened immune systems. This disease creates flu-like symptoms that may recur.”

“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.”

“Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, molds can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. People with mold allergies may have more severe reactions. Immune-compromised people and people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may get serious infections in their lungs when they are exposed to mold. These people should stay away from areas that are likely to have mold, such as compost piles, cut grass, and wooded areas.”