Symptoms after mould exposure including Stachybotrys chartarum, and comparison with darkroom disease.
Allergy
; 65(2): 245-55, 2010 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19796210
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Mould-attributed symptoms have included features which overlap with unexplained syndromes such as sick building syndrome.OBJECTIVES:
We describe questionnaire and chart review findings in patients following exposure to moulds which include Stachybotrys and compare responses with two control groups.METHODS:
Thirty-two patients presented with symptoms attributed to mould exposures. Exposure identification for 25 patients had reported S tachybotrys chartarum as well as other mould (Aspergillus, Penicillium), 88% at work. The remaining seven had professionally visualized or self-reported/photographic exposure evidence only. A chart review was performed and a follow-up with a questionnaire, including questions on current health status, and nonspecific symptoms.RESULTS:
Cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness (at presentation) were reported in 79%, 70% and 64%, respectively, and persisted >6 weeks in 91%. Skin test(s) were positive to fungal extract(s) in 30%. Seventeen returned questionnaires were obtained 3.1 (SD 0.5) years after the initial clinic assessment. Among this subgroup, persisting asthma-like symptoms and symptoms suggestive of sick building syndrome were frequent, and similar to a group previously assessed for darkroom disease among medical radiation technologists. The mould-exposed group more commonly reported they were bothered when walking in a room with carpets, complained of a chemical or metallic taste in their mouth, and had problems in concentration when compared with a control physiotherapist group (P < 0.005).CONCLUSIONS:
Although only a minority with health concerns from indoor mould exposure had demonstrable mould-allergy, a significant proportion had asthma-like symptoms. Other symptoms were also common and persistent after the initial implicated exposure.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Síndrome do Edifício Doente
/
Fungos
/
Hipersensibilidade
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Aspecto:
Patient_preference
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Allergy
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article