Question: My parents are in their 60s and they both suffer from a chronic cough. My Dad has asthma, diabetes, has had a heart bypass and while otherwise well now – he now suffers from a chronic chough and frequent chest infections (unrelated to colds). My Mum, – cannot get rid of a chronic chough that she has had for over a year. My Dad sees a cardiologist, an internist and is currently seeking help from a pulmonary specialist. He has had numerous tests and they can’t find anything. His asthma is under control but he still has this cough and coughs up stuff several times a day.
I have seen mold in their home. They had a leak in their roof a year ago and didn’t know it for awhile – then had it patched. I am fairly certain there is mold throughout areas of their home. My sister moved in with her young children and all 3 of them now have this chronic cough.
When I spend time there, I end up clearing my throat all of the time due to an irritation.
Can this be mold? They don’t believe me that they could have a mold problem – but I have a feeling that is what it is.
How can they get their home tested?
Answer: It’s possible that mold could be the cause. The best way to find out if mold is a possible cause is to test for airborne spores to check whether the spore counts in the house is excessively high. If it turns out that mold may not be an issue, then other possible indoor pollutants could be tested.