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Mold toxicity is often overlooked in worsening PANS/PANDAS symptoms, and as a parent who’s been there, I get the struggle. Mold spores trigger inflammation in sensitive immune systems, making neurological symptoms harder to manage.
More families are realizing mold doesn’t just affect the home—it also prevents healing. Addressing this is key to supporting your child’s health, and it’s something you can tackle today.
How Does Mold Affect the Body?
Mold exposure can trigger a variety of reactions, including:
- Allergies
- Sinusitis-like symptoms
- Chronic sinusitis
- Respiratory infections
- Asthma
According to Empting (2009), exposure to molds, mycotoxins, and water-damaged buildings can lead to the following neurologic and neuropsychiatric symptoms:
- Pain syndromes
- Movement disorders
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Balance issues
Empting’s study helps doctors better understand how to tell if a child’s symptoms are related to mold or another neurological issue. It also shows how mold toxins can make brain inflammation worse — especially in kids who are already sensitive or struggling.
What are Mold/PANS/PANDAS Symptoms?
Telltale signs of mold exposure in children, such as persistent coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and respiratory issues, suggest an allergic reaction that requires further investigation. These symptoms can worsen PANS and PANDAS, making it crucial to address mold exposure.
PANS/PANDAS Symptoms
- Sudden onset OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Motor and verbal tics
- Cognitive difficulties
Potential symptoms exacerbated by mold exposure:
- Increased severity of OCD, anxiety, and mood swings
- Exacerbation of motor and verbal tics
- Cognitive impairment
- Neurological dysfunction
- Immune dysregulation and inflammation
Always trust your parental instincts. If something feels off, it’s worth exploring further.
What is the Importance of Mold Testing?
A study by Abou-Donia et al. (2017) investigated 6 types of neural autoantibodies in 24 individuals exposed to environmental toxins, including:
- Mold damage
- Contaminated drinking water
- Pesticides
- Other chemical exposures
The study found elevated levels of the following autoantibodies in most patients:
- Tau proteins (highest elevation)
- Microtubule-associated proteins-2 (MAP-2)
- Neurofilament proteins
- Myelin basic protein (MBP)
- Glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP)
- Tubulin
These autoantibodies were associated with various health conditions like:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Muscle and joint pain
- Asthma
- Chemical sensitivity
- Sleep apnea
These findings point to a possible autoimmune response triggered by environmental toxins, making mold testing essential—especially for children with PANS or PANDAS—to identify hidden exposure and create a healthier home environment.
What is the Mold Toxicity Treatment for Children?
Treating mold toxicity in children typically involves a multi-faceted approach aimed at removing mold exposure, detoxifying the body, and supporting overall health and immune function.
What are the critical components of mold toxicity treatment for children?
1. Identifying and Removing Mold Exposure
The first—and most important—step is finding and eliminating mold. You can’t detox a child who’s still being exposed. Here’s what that includes:
- Inspecting your home for visible and hidden mold
- Fixing leaks and water-damaged areas
- Controlling humidity (aim for under 50%)
- Using air purifiers with HEPA filters
- Hiring professional mold remediators if needed
Removing the source is non-negotiable if you want healing to happen.
2. Detoxification
Detox has to be done gently, especially in kids with neuroinflammatory conditions. Support the body with:
- Whole foods high in antioxidants (like berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables)
- Sulfur-rich foods such as garlic and onions
- Detox supplements like:
- Glutathione
- Activated charcoal
- Mycotoxin binders
All of this should be guided by a practitioner who understands mold detox.
3. Supporting Immune Function
Mold messes with the immune system—so rebuilding is key. That means:
- A clean, anti-inflammatory diet
- Prioritizing sleep and nervous system regulation
- Reducing stress
- Targeted supplements, including:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Vitamin D
- Probiotics
A strong immune system helps calm the inflammation storm.
4. Addressing Symptom Management
While healing the root cause, we can also help kids feel better right now. This might include:
- Natural anti-inflammatories
- Medications to relieve respiratory symptoms (like coughing or wheezing)
- Essential oils or steam therapy for sinus support
The goal? Calm the body so deeper healing work can happen.
5. Environmental Control
Once mold’s been removed, your job becomes keeping it out. Prevent re-exposure by:
- Cleaning regularly with mold-inhibiting products
- Running a dehumidifier in damp areas
- Using HEPA air filters
- Monitoring indoor humidity and keeping it under 50%
A healthy environment equals a healthier child.
6. Monitoring and Follow-Up
Healing isn’t a straight line—tracking is essential. Be sure to:
- Observe and document behavioral and physical symptoms
- Reassess your child’s diet, sleep, and detox needs over time
- Adjust the plan as their body heals
Every small step counts when you’re moving in the right direction.
7. Professional Guidance
This is not the time for guesswork. Seek support from:
- Environmental medicine doctors
- Functional medicine practitioners
- Integrative pediatricians
These professionals can help you build a safe, effective plan that supports your child’s brain, body, and nervous system.
When it comes to mold toxicity and kids with PANS or PANDAS, “You can’t get better in the same environment that made you sick.” But with the right support, healing is not just possible—it’s powerful.
Parent Action Steps
FAQs
How do you test for mold in your home?
Mold testing usually involves air or surface sampling to check for hidden spores. You can use a reliable DIY mold test kit or hire a professional who will collect samples and send them to a lab for a detailed analysis.
What are the signs that my child’s symptoms might be mold-related?
Look for worsening behavior, cognitive changes, fatigue, increased anxiety or OCD, alongside allergy-like symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, or itchy eyes.
How does mold exposure affect children with PANS or PANDAS?
Mold can trigger inflammation and immune dysregulation, which can worsen neurological and behavioral symptoms in sensitive kids.
What role does diet play in mold detoxification?
A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet supports detox pathways and immune balance, which is essential for kids dealing with both mold and PANS/PANDAS.
Citations
Abou-Donia, M. B., Lieberman, A., & Curtis, L. (2017). Neural autoantibodies in patients with neurological symptoms and histories of chemical/mold exposures. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 34(1), 44–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233717733852
Empting, L. D. (2009). Neurologic and neuropsychiatric syndrome features of mold and mycotoxin exposure. Toxicology and Industrial Health, 25(9-10), 577–581. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233709348393
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in PANS/PANDAS who frequently is in the media:
- Healthy Parenting Connector (Video) Why “My Kid is Acting Crazy” Might be PANS/PANDAS
- Living with Lyme (Podcast) Neurofeedback and biofeedback for PANS/PANDA
- Maria Rickert Hong (Audio) PANS/PANDAS
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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