Can Urgent Care Test for Mold Exposure?

You’ve found mold in your home, or you think you’ve been exposed to mold, and now you’re feeling sick. Should you go to urgent care for mold toxicity? Or can an urgent care test for mold exposure?

In short, yes and no. Urgent care centers don’t have the equipment to test for mold exposure or toxicity.

However, medical staff can assess your symptoms, prescribe medications to relieve asthma or allergy symptoms, and issue a referral to specialists for testing. Here’s what to know.

The Health Risks of Being Exposed to Mold

Mold is everywhere, indoors and outdoors, and in every season and climate. That means it’s unavoidable, and you’ve probably been exposed to indoor mold or black mold at some point, whether at home, work, or on a walk through the park.

Most people don’t get sick from mold and can handle exposure. However, inhaling a large number of spores can cause illness. People most likely to be affected are those with a weakened immune system, a mold allergy, existing asthma, or health conditions that affect the lungs.

In these cases, mold exposure may cause:

• Allergic reaction
• Asthma attacks
• Invasive infections in immunocompromised or immunosuppressed people
• Allergic fungal sinus infection
• Allergy-based lung inflammation
• Skin infections

Signs and Symptoms of Mold Exposure

If you have a mold allergy, exposure to mold typically causes symptoms similar to hay fever or the flu. That said, mold allergies can vary from mild to severe, so symptoms may be worse for some.

Common symptoms of mold exposure and mold allergy include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Watery eyes
• Itchy nose, eyes, and throat
• Postnasal drip
• Itchy, dry skin

You may also notice an itchy rash on children who have mold allergies. Symptoms may be worse in the fall as decomposing leaves and damp weather increase mold growth and are common causes of fall allergies.

If you have asthma, exposure to mold may cause a serious asthma attack and more severe symptoms. These include:

• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath

What To Do if You’ve Been Exposed to Mold

Since mold is everywhere, you’ve likely already been exposed, especially to mold spores in the air. Some places may have a higher risk of growing large amounts, including damp areas with leaks, such as roofs, pipes, walls, floors, ceilings, and areas that have flooded.

If mold exposure triggers your asthma or allergies, the following steps can ease your symptoms and prevent them from getting worse:

1. If you see mold, clean it up with bleach. If possible, have someone else do it to limit your exposure. Otherwise, wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask.
2. Check your ventilation system. Change furnace filters, use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen, and be sure the dryer vents outside properly.
3. Lower the humidity. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50%.
4. Take allergy meds. Antihistamines and decongestants can help reduce symptoms.
5. Use asthma inhalers as necessary. Go to the emergency room for any life-threatening symptoms.
6. Get tested. Consider testing yourself for allergies if you’re unsure.

How To Get Tested for Mold Exposure

There are a few options for mold testing, whether for your health or for your home or work environment. The most common options include:

• Allergists and immunologists for mold allergies or asthma
• Mold remediation companies
• Environmental testing companies
• Home mold testing kits

A health care provider may run skin prick or blood tests to check for skin reactions or antibodies to mold species. These tests diagnose allergies, but not necessarily mold exposure.

Additionally, environmental testing and home test kits aren’t generally recommended. There are no standards on how much is too much mold. Tests are expensive and may always be positive since mold is everywhere, so it’s best to prevent dampness and mold growth as much as possible and fix any wet, leaking, or moldy areas as soon as possible.

What Can Urgent Care Do for Mold Symptoms?

Urgent care centers can provide treatment and other care options for mild symptoms. During a visit, a provider may offer prescriptions, self-care tips, and other guidance.

These include:

• Prescription antihistamines
• Nasal corticosteroids to lower swelling and irritation
• Decongestants
• Inhalers
• Nasal rinses
• Referral to an allergist or immunologist
• Clean-up tips

Urgent care staff can also give tips on how to manage your asthma and reduce the amount of allergens in your home through cleaning and self-care.

Get the Right Treatment for Symptom Relief

Urgent care isn’t the best place for mold exposure or allergy testing. However, you can find treatment for relief of mild or ongoing allergy symptoms that don’t get better with over-the-counter medications.

Go to the ER if you are straining to breathe, your lips or fingernails are turning blue or gray, your inhalers don’t stop an asthma attack, or you have lasting shortness of breath.

For help with mild symptoms or to get a referral, walk into any one of our 45+ Next Level Urgent Care centers or book an appointment online.