Mold Exposure Center - San Rafael, CASan Rafael Asthma & Allergy Specialist Doctors for Mold ExposureType of Physician: Asthma & Allergy Specialist What is a Asthma & Allergy Specialist? A certification by the Board of Allergy & Immunology; practitioners are expert in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of immune disorders. Specialty: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Common Name: Allergy Doctor Asthma & Allergy Specialist Doctors in San Rafael * Geary Medical Office  Robert J Deitz MD  Russell E Leong MD  Piero Mustacchi MD  Jeffrey M Davidson MD  Bocobo German & Strub MDs  Bocobo German & Strub MDs  Bocobo German & Strub MDs  Vadim I Kvitash MD  North East Medical Service  San Francisco Ear Nose Throat & Allergy  Terr Medical Corporation  UCSF Allergy Faculty Clinic  UCSF Chest & Allergy Clinic  UCSF Allergy Faculty Clinic  UCSF Allergy Faculty Clinic  UCSF Allergy Faculty Clinic  Michael J Reid MD  Pediatric Immunology & Rheumatology  Castro Hearing Center  Xavier O Barrios MD  Allergy and Immunology Clinic of East Bay  Peninsula Allergy Associates  Peninsula Allergy Associates  Peninsula Allergy Associates  Neil D Mulcahy MD  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Adult & Pediatric  Richard L Wacht MD  Bay Area Pediatrics  Kaiser Permanente Medical Center  Robert L Freinkel MD  Alameda Centre Physicians  Peninsula Allergy Associates  Paul P Cheng MD  Joann Blessing-Moore MD  The Allergy & Asthma Clinic  Steven Machtinger MD  Steven Machtinger MD  Allergy & Asthma Adult & Pediatric  Anthony N DeMeo MD  Advanced Allergy Center  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy Specialists Medical Group Inc  Allergy Consultants Medical Group  Kaiser Permanente Hayward Allergy  Allergy & Asthma Center  Danville Asthma & Allergy Clinic  Umesh Sab MD  Allergy & Asthma Consultants  Cosmetic Dermatology Center  Robert Litman MD  Menlo Medical Clinic  Menlo Medical Clinic  Welch Pasteur Allergy Medical Group  Welch Pasteur Allergy Medical Group  Leon W Lipson MD  California Ear Institute  Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital  Palo Alto Medical Clinic Medical Specialties  Palo Alto Medical Clinic Medical Specialties  Palo Alto Medical Clinic Medical Specialties  Medical Specialties Clinic  Stanford University Medical Center  Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California  Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California  Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California  Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California  Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California  Palo Alto Medical Foundation Fremont Center  Allergy & Dermatology Clinic  South Bay Allergy & Asthma Group  Camino Medical Group Allergy Department  Camino Medical Group Allergy Department  Neema Malhotra MD  Allergy & Asthma Associates of Northern California  Judy T DelMundo MD  South Bay Allergy & Asthma Group  South Bay Allergy & Asthma Group  South Bay Allergy & Asthma Group  Alan Heller MD  San Jose Medical Group  Massoud Malmoudi DO  Virender Sachdeva MD  Fred & Mary Mansubi MDs PC  Sutter West Medical Group  UC Davis Specialty Clinic  Andrew Lozano Jr. MD  Woodland Healthcare Clinic  Allergy Immunology & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy Immunology & Asthma Medical Group  Allergy Immunology & Asthma Medical Group  Santa Cruz Medical Foundation Soquel Ave San Rafael, CaliforniaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-16
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MoldWhat is mold?Mold refers to multiple types of fungi that grow in filaments and reproduce by forming spores. The term "mildew" is sometimes used to refer to some kinds of mold, particularly mold with a white or grayish color or mold growing in shower stalls and bathrooms. Mold may grow indoors or outdoors and thrives in damp, warm, and humid environments. Mold can be found in essentially any environment or season. The most common types of mold that are found indoors include Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus. Stachybotrys chartarum (also known as Stachybotrys atra and sometimes referred to as "black mold") is a greenish-black mold that can also be found indoors. Stachybotrys grows on household surfaces that have high cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, gypsum board, paper, dust, and lint. Molds reproduce by forming tiny spores that not visible to the naked eye. Mold spores are very hardy and can survive under conditions in which mold cannot grow, such as in dry and harsh environments. These spores travel through outdoor and indoor air. When mold spores land on a surface where moisture is present, mold can start to grow. Outdoors, molds play a role in the decomposition of organic matter such as dead trees, compost, and leaves. They are most common in damp, dark areas or areas of decomposing plant life. Indoors, mold is often found in basements or shower stalls. Indoor mold has the potential to cause health problems and can destroy surfaces and objects where it grows.
Where can mold be found in homes?Although shower stalls and basements are typical moist areas prone to the growth of molds, any moist area in the home may harbor mold. Drywall, ceiling tiles, carpets, furniture, ductwork, roofing, paneling, wallpaper, and the areas around plumbing pipes are examples of areas in the home that may become inf... Recommended Reading Related to MoldChronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip » What is the purpose of the nose?The purpose of the nose is to warm, clean, and humidify the air you breathe as well as help you to smell and taste. A normal person will produce about two quarts of fluid each day (mucus), which aids in keeping the respiratory tract clean and moist. Tiny microscopic hairs (cilia) line the surfaces of the nasal cavity, helping to brush away particles. Eventually the mucus blanket is moved to the back of the throat where it is unconsciously swallowed. This entire process is closely regulated by several body systems. Structurally, the nose is separated into two passageways (left and right nostrils) by a structure called the septum. Protruding into each breathing passage are bony projections, called turbinates, which help to increase the surface area of the inside of the nose. There are three turbinates on each side of the nose (inferior or lower turbinates, middle turbinates, superior or upper turbinates). The sin... Other Related Mold Exposure ArticlesEmergency Contact for San Rafael
Nearby San Rafael Hospitals *Kentfield Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospital Marin General Hospital Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center Novato Community Hospital Doctor's Medical Center San Pablo San Francisco VA Medical Center California Pacific Medical Center California Campus California Pacific Medical Center East Campus California Pacific Medical Center Pacific Campus Chinese Hospital Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center UCSF Medical Center at Mount Zion Saint Francis Memorial Hospital St Mary's Medical Center California Pacific Medical Center Davies Campus UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Herrick Campus Laguna Honda Hospital & Rehabilitation Center San Francisco General Hospital St Luke's Hospital Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Alta Bates Campus Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Summit Campus Kaiser Permanente Medical Center at Oakland St Helena Hospital Center for Behavioral Health Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center Sutter Solano Medical Center Petaluma Valley Hospital Alameda County Medical Center Highland Campus Seton Medical Center Alameda Hospital Contra Costa Regional Medical Center Sonoma Valley Hospital Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center VA Northern CA Healthcare System at Martinez Napa State Hospital Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center John Muir Behavioral Health Center John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus John Muir Medical Center Concord Campus Queen of the Valley Medical Center San Leandro Hospital Kindred Hospital San Francisco Bay Area John George Psychiatric Pavilion Alameda County Medical Center Fairmont Campus Mills-Peninsula Health Services Mills Hospital Eden Medical Center Seton Medical Center Coastside Telecare Solano Psychiatric Health Facility NorthBay Medical Center Palm Drive Hospital San Mateo Medical Center Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Main Campus Kaiser Permanente Hayward Medical Center St Rose Hospital San Ramon Regional Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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Related Diseases & Conditions
19 articles-
Asthma
- Asthma is a common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough and wheezing.
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Fever
- Although a fever technically is any body temperature above the normal of 98.6 degrees F. (37 degrees C.), in practice a person is usually not considered to have a significant fever until the temperature is above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C.). Fever is part of the body's own disease-fighting arsenal: rising body temperatures apparently are capable of killing off many disease- producing organisms.
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Hay Fever
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
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Liver Cancer
- Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year as a result. Patients with associated cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B or C infections, alcohol, and hemochromatosis are at the greatest risk of developing liver cancer. Many patients with liver cancer do not develop symptoms until the advanced stages of the tumor which usually makes prognosis poor. The combination of an imaging study (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein will most effectively diagnose liver cancer, while a liver biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis. Medical treatments, including chemotherapy, chemoembolization, ablation, and proton beam therapy, are not very effective. Surgical removal of the tumor or a liver transplant may be most effective in certain cases.
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Chronic Cough
- Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus infection, cigarette smoking, GERD, postnasal drip, bronchitis, pneumonia, medications, and less frequently tumors or other lung disease. Treatment of chronic cough is dependant upon the cause.
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Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is an inflammation of the lung caused by small airborne particles such as bacteria, mold, fungi, or inorganic matter. There are two types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, body aches. Examples of hypersensitivity pneumonitis include bagassosis, mushroom worker's disease, sauna taker's disease, pigeon breeder's disease, and farmer's lung disease. Most commonly, it results from exposure to pet birds.
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Rash
- The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
- Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
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Allergy
- An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Biorhythms
- Biologic rhythms, or biorhythms, are how our bodies respond to the regular phases of the sun, moon, and seasons. A medical chronobiologist studies how the "body clock" or biorhythms affect diseases and how the body clock responds to treatment of diseases and conditions at different times of the day.
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Food Allergy
- The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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Asthma: Over the Counter Treatment
- Patients who have infrequent, mild bouts of asthma attacks may use over-the-counter (OTC) medications to treat their asthma symptoms. OTC asthma medicines are limited to epinephrine and ephedrine. These OTC drugs are best used with the guidance of a physician, as there may be side effects and the drugs may not be very effective.
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Cold, Flu, Allergy Treatments
- Before treating a cold, the flu, or allergies with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, it's important to know what's causing the symptoms, which symptoms one wishes to relieve, and the active ingredients in the OTC product. Taking products that only contain the medications needed for relieving your symptoms prevents ingestion of unnecessary medications and reduces the chances of side effects.
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Nasal Allergy Medications
- Nasal allergy medications are used to relieve itching, sneezing, and nasal swelling associated with allergies. Antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids are different types of nasal allergy medications. Possible side effects of these medications include dryness, stuffiness, burning, bleeding, nervousness, and palpitations.
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Allergy Treatment Begins At Home
- Avoiding allergy triggers at home is one of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms. Controlling temperature, humidity, and ventilation are a few ways to allergy-proof the home. Cleaning, vacuuming, and using HEPA air filters also helps control allergies.
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Indoor Allergens
- Indoor allergens are substances that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Common sources of indoor allergens include dust mites, cockroaches, molds, pets, and plants. Avoiding indoor allergens is one way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
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Asthma Complexities
- There are many unusual symptoms of asthma, including sighing, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, chronic cough, recurrent walking pneumonia, and rapid breathing. These symptoms may vary from individual to individual. These asthma complexities make it difficult to accurately diagnose and treat asthma.
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Hurricane Preparedness
- Natural diasters such as a hurricane can take a toll on family, friends, and neighbors. Both physiological and psychological stresses can be devastating. Learn how to prepare for a hurricane like food storage, safe water, first aid measures, cleaning mold, wearing protective gear, preparing for electrical hazards, avoiding carbon monoxide, avoiding physical injuries and hazardous materials, preventing drowning, reducing the risk of thermal stress, and preventing fatigue related injuries.
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Night Sweats
- Night sweats are severe hot flashes that occur at night and result in a drenching sweat. In order to distinguish night sweats that arise from medical causes from those that occur because one's surroundings are too warm, doctors generally refer to true night sweats as severe hot flashes occurring at night that can drench sleepwear and sheets, which are not related to an overheated environment.
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Asthma
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Procedures & Tests
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Doctor's & Expert's Views
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Health News
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