Answer:

During prolonged humid days, walls, ceilings, and objects often develop a faint white layer, resembling fuzz or fine powder. This is white mold, thriving in damp environments. Many mistakenly identify this as salt crystallization on surfaces and fail to address it, allowing the mold to persist and spread.

Not all mold is harmless. Some white mold strains release toxins and spores into the air, irritating airways and increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses or their recurrence. These tiny spores are easily airborne and enter the respiratory tract when inhaled. Frequent exposure continuously irritates the airway lining, causing persistent coughing, nasal congestion, wheezing, or shortness of breath. These symptoms may not appear severe initially but often recur, especially in humid conditions.

Doctor Ngan explains a chest X-ray to a patient. *Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital*

White mold exacerbates chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma. Inhaling mold spores can trigger an inflammatory airway response, leading to more frequent and severe asthma attacks. Patients experience chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and wheezing, often needing rescue inhalers more frequently to manage symptoms.

White mold also increases the risk of recurrent bronchitis, particularly in individuals with a history of chronic respiratory disease. When mold spores enter the bronchi, inflammation is easily re-triggered, causing patients to cough frequently, produce more phlegm, and experience prolonged chest heaviness. Flare-ups tend to occur more often, and recovery times are longer than for patients in dry, well-ventilated environments. Therefore, keeping homes dry and well-ventilated and addressing mold early are crucial measures to protect health and reduce the risk of respiratory illness recurrence.

Individuals experiencing persistent coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, or unusual recurrent respiratory symptoms should seek medical examination for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Van Ngan

Department of Respiratory Medicine

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi