Cystic fibrosis is a condition that is concerning at all times, but people with cystic fibrosis have to be super careful when they are exposed to mould, especially when it is in their homes. Here's what you need to know if you or your family member has cystic fibrosis and there is mould in your home. 

Mould Can Grow In the Lungs and Cause Aspergillosis

Mould spores can be inhaled into the lungs where they can grow. This growth causes an allergic reaction or an infection, which is called aspergillosis. It typically does not affect people with healthy lungs. The symptoms are similar to cystic fibrosis, including an increase in mucus, which makes it difficult to detect that there is a problem with aspergillosis. 

If Mould Is In Your Home, Take the Patient for Medical Testing

Given that aspergillosis mimics cystic fibrosis, you should take the person for medical testing if mould is ever found in your home. This is crucial because aspergillosis can be deadly if left untreated.

Tests include imaging such as CT scans and chest X-rays. Sputum will need to be cultured, and blood will need to be drawn. The doctor may also need a lung biopsy for diagnosis.

If diagnosed, the patient will need to start a regimen of medication, which will be determined based on their medical history. Sometimes, surgery is required to remove the mould spores from the lungs.

The Patient Should Not Return Home Until the Mould Has Been Removed

The house will need to be treated and thoroughly cleaned of mould before the family member will be able to return. While there are do-it-yourself remedies for removing mould, given the medical necessity, it's important to hire a mould removal service to remove the mould.

The first step they will do is to test the mould to see what type of mould it is. They will also use a device to test the air quality to see if mold spores are lingering in the air. This can make a difference in the methods they use to remove it.

You can expect the removal service (such as SLC Environmental) to wear protective gear that covers them from head to toe and wear a breathing apparatus as they work to reclaim your home from the mould infestation with heavy-duty chemicals so your loved one can return. They will perform another set of tests to determine that your home is mould-free.