What’s the Link Between Mold and Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease that impacts the lungs and digestive system by causing the body to produce mucus that can clog the lungs and block the pancreas. Within the U.S., there are about 30,000 people living with CF making it thelargest patient population with the disease worldwide. Since the disease can be life-threatening and can lead to a shortened life span, shouldn’t we know more about it? 

Exposure to Mold Causing Medical Issues

You might be wondering, why are we — Mold Medics — talking about CF? Well, a study from Manchester University in the United Kingdom showed that roughly 50% of CF patients are also infected with Aspergillus fungus, which is caused by exposure to mold. Researchers looked at data from 30 countries and discovered that 75,000 people are afflicted by both CF and aspergillus fungal infection or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).

ABPA can be detrimental to people with CF, and in general, people who suffer the following symptoms are more likely to have it:

• Decreased lung function
• Wheezing
• Allergies
• Asthma

Symptoms of ABPA are similar to symptoms of CF, but ABPA probably won’t respond to antibiotics. To actually diagnose ABPA in individuals with CF is challenging, and it may take a long time because symptoms are similar. 

Although we at Mold Medics don’t practice Functional Medicine, we do work alongside medical professionals. In addition to CF, we have experience helping to ease mold-related symptoms of disease like chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), Lymes disease, and general mold sensitivity. 

Contact Mold Medics

If you or someone you loved has CF, and you’re concerned that there may be mold in your home, Mold Medics experts are trained and certified to perform high caliber testing. We can determine what types of mold you may have, and whether or not your mold levels are elevated. Contact us today and get a free quote!