Treatment for Mold Toxicity in PANS and PANDAS

Mold isn’t just a household nuisance—it can directly impact your child’s health, worsening symptoms and triggering unexpected health issues, especially in conditions like PANS/PANDAS or respiratory sensitivities.

If your child’s symptoms are flaring up despite all your hard work, it’s time to play detective and check for mold. Those sneaky mold spores floating around can impact a sensitive immune system, fueling inflammation and making other clinical conditions even harder to manage.

One of the biggest game-changers I’ve learned on this journey with my own child’s PANS diagnosis is the hidden connection between mold toxicity and the worsening of symptoms. When my kid was first diagnosed with PANS at a young age, we were doing all the things—diet changes, treatments, you name it—but nothing was really sticking. That’s when I discovered the sneaky role mold toxicity can play in throwing an already sensitive immune system into overdrive.

Mold illness and toxic mold exposure can significantly exacerbate symptoms (Baldo,  et al. 2002), and recognizing this link was crucial for us. As someone who has experienced this firsthand with my family, I know how overwhelming it can be to manage these conditions. One of the most overlooked factors that can worsen symptoms is mold toxicity.

How Mold Impacts Health

Toxic mold exposure isn’t just about runny noses and itchy skin. It can have far-reaching effects, particularly on body systems, including the brain and the nervous system. 

Research has shown that molds produce mycotoxins, a type of toxin that can contribute to neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. These symptoms mimic classic disorders and often go unrecognized.

Symptoms of Mold Exposure

For kids with PANS/PANDAS, mold exposure can magnify existing symptoms, making treatment even more challenging. These are some mold toxicity symptoms that can affect neurological health.

Most of the symptoms above are connected to mast cells activation. Mast cells are part of the immune system, releasing chemicals like histamine to respond to suspected allergens and infections. In the presence of toxic mold, mast cells can become overactive, leading to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). This heightened response can trigger symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, respiratory issues, and inflammation.

Mold and PANS/PANDAS Symptoms

Children with PANS and PANDAS already experience symptoms like OCD, anxiety, and tics due to inflammation and immune dysregulation. Add a moldy environment to the mix, and you have a recipe for increased symptom severity.

Here are the common symptoms of PANS/PANDAS:

• OCD, anxiety, and mood swings: Mold exposure can make these symptoms more intense and harder to manage.
• Cognitive impairment: Brain fog and memory problems
• Motor and verbal tics: Mold can exacerbate these hallmark PANS/PANDAS symptoms.

In some cases, mold exposure can lead to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS), a serious condition that requires medical attention.

Trust your instincts. If your child seems more irritable or their symptoms spiral unexpectedly, mold exposure might be the culprit.

Mold Testing

If you suspect mold exposure affects people in your household, testing is critical. Start by assessing your home environment. Mold can be sneaky, hiding in places like basements, bathrooms, or HVAC systems. Reliable mold test kits or professional inspections can identify the extent of the problem.

Testing for mold exposure in the body is just as important. Blood or urine tests can detect mycotoxins or inflammation markers linked to mold-related illnesses and other health problems. Early detection is key to recovery.

How to Treat Mold Toxicity in Children

Addressing mold toxins isn’t just about cleaning your house; it’s about helping your child’s body heal and thrive from toxic mold exposure. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle mold toxicity and avoid exposure head-on.

1. Remove Mold Exposure

Removing mold from your child’s environment is the first and most critical step. Without addressing the source, even the best treatments won’t lead to lasting improvements.

One of my clients, Sarah, noticed her daughter, Emma, was struggling with worsening tics and anxiety despite their PANS treatment plan. After a deep dive into their home environment, we found black mold lurking in the basement. Once they addressed the issue, Emma’s symptoms became much more manageable.

• Inspect Your Home: Look for common mold hotspots like bathrooms, leaky roofs, basements, kitchens, and HVAC systems. Toxic chemicals and mold can hide in sneaky places like behind wallpaper or under carpets.
• Fix Water Issues: Leaks or poor ventilation create the perfect breeding ground for mold. Repair plumbing problems and seal windows and doors where moisture seeps in.
• Hire Professionals: For significant mold problems, don’t DIY. Professional mold remediation ensures the mold is removed safely and completely.
• Improve Air Quality: Fresh air is important to health. Use HEPA air purifiers to reduce airborne mold spores and musty smell, including toxic mold spores, which can lead to significant health issues.

2. Detox the Body

At 9 years old, she had constant fatigue, brain fog, and mood swings. Testing revealed high levels of mycotoxins. By shifting her diet and introducing detox supplements, Maya’s energy and focus improved dramatically.

Support Detoxification Through Diet:

• Include liver-friendly foods like garlic, onions, broccoli, kale, and berries.
• Avoid processed foods, sugar, and gluten, which can fuel inflammation

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.

Use Key Supplements:

A supplement is a valuable tool to support the immune system. Supplements can help those with a compromised immune system recover from mold toxicity.

• Glutathione: A master antioxidant that helps the liver detoxify.
• Activated Charcoal or Binders: These bind to mycotoxins and help eliminate them.
• Milk Thistle: Supports liver function.
• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and aids in detoxification.

Gentle Sweating: Safe options like light exercise or infrared saunas (if appropriate) can help eliminate toxins through the skin.

3. Strengthen the Immune System

A healthy immune system is key to recovering from mold toxicity and preventing future issues.

Nourish with Supplements:

• Vitamin D to regulate immune function and reduce inflammation.
• Magnesium to calm the nervous system.
• Zinc to boost immunity.
• Probiotics to support gut health and immune regulation.
• Consider allergy medications to manage hypersensitivity caused by mold exposure.
• Prioritize Restorative Sleep: Sleep allows the body to heal. Create a calming bedtime routine and ensure your child gets consistent rest.
• Manage Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system. Mindfulness, breathing exercises, or family activities can make a big difference.

4. Address Symptoms

While addressing the root cause, it’s essential to manage your child’s symptoms so they can feel better now.

For Respiratory Issues:

• Use natural remedies like saline nasal sprays, sinus rinse, or steam inhalation for stuffy nose.
• Consider antihistamines or decongestants if recommended by your pediatrician.
• Monitor for asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, and seek appropriate treatment.

For Neurological Symptoms:

• Neurofeedback: Helps regulate brain activity and improves mood, focus, and anxiety.
• PEMF Therapy: Reduces inflammation and calms the nervous system.
• Behavioral Strategies: Cognitive-behavioral approaches can help manage mood swings, irritability, or anxiety.

5. Maintain a Mold-Free Environment

Once you’ve tackled the mold, keeping it out is crucial for your child’s long-term health.

• Clean Regularly: Use mold-killing solutions like vinegar for routine cleaning in high-humidity areas.
• Control Humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 50% with dehumidifiers or air conditioning.
• Ventilate Properly: Use fans or open windows in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• Inspect Often: Regularly check for leaks, condensation, or other mold risks, especially after heavy rains or humidity spikes.

6. Seek Professional Guidance

Treating mold toxicity, especially when combined with PANS or PANDAS, often requires expert support.

• Work with the Right Experts: A healthcare provider experienced in environmental medicine or functional medicine can create a personalized plan.
• Integrative Care Matters: Collaborate with specialists in detoxification, immune support, and brain regulation for a well-rounded approach.
• Monitor Progress: Keep track of your child’s symptoms and adjust treatments as needed to ensure continued improvement.

If mold toxicity is part of the puzzle for your child’s PANS or PANDAS, it’s crucial to address it head-on. Mold isn’t just an aggravator—it can lead to mold infection, which complicates the diagnosis and treatment of mold-related illnesses. By tackling mold exposure and supporting your child’s immune system, you’re creating the foundation for long-term wellness.

Want to explore more solutions? Check out my FREE Solutions Matcher to find the best approach for your child’s unique needs. Together, we can help your child’s brain calm and heal.