Understanding How Doctors Treat Mold-Related Illness Differently

Understanding How Doctors Treat Mold-Related Illness Differently & Choosing a Doctor that’s Right for You

Both functional and conventional doctors aim to improve patient health, but they do so through different methodologies. Conventional doctors are typically more focused on diagnosing and treating diseases using established medical practices, whereas functional doctors aim to prevent and treat health issues by addressing their root causes and considering the patient’s overall lifestyle and environment.

Choosing between the two can depend on the patient’s specific health needs, preferences, and the type of care they are seeking

There are important distinctions that can be made between functional and traditional doctors and the kinds of medicine they practice. In some ways, the differences that separate these practices are philosophical ones: while traditional medicine is largely focused on treating acute medical problems (i.e. problems that arise suddenly, such as a broken bone or a rash), functional medicine is much more interested in the management of chronic conditions and the promotion of lifestyles and behaviors that support overall health.

Functional medicine practitioners are generally invested in figuring out the underlying causes behind disease. Rather than simply treating symptoms, as traditional medicine tends to do, functional medicine seeks to modify the cause so that disease is not triggered or allowed to flourish.

Comparison

	Conventional Doctors	Functional Doctors
Primary Focus	Symptom management and immediate relief	Root cause identification and holistic treatment
Diagnostic Tools	Standard medical tests (skin prick tests, blood tests)	Advanced and comprehensive testing (mycotoxin tests, detailed patient history)
Treatment Methods	Medications (antihistamines, corticosteroids), symptom management	Detoxification, dietary changes, supplements, holistic treatments
Environmental Control	Avoidance advice, professional mold remediation recommendations	Detailed environmental recommendations, indoor air quality improvements

When treating mold-related illnesses, conventional doctors focus on alleviating symptoms through medications and advising on mold avoidance, whereas functional doctors aim to address the root cause by employing a comprehensive approach that includes detoxification, lifestyle changes, and holistic treatments. The choice between the two approaches will depend on the patient’s specific health needs, preferences, and the complexity of their condition.

Choosing a Doctor to Assist You with Mold-Related Illness [5 Ways to Reduce the Risk ]

Finding a referral for a mold-related doctor can feel like a daunting task.

Here are some tips to assist you:

Research Online

Professional Directories:
- Use directories such as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) or the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) to find doctors specializing in mold-related illnesses and environmental medicine.
- Websites like Zocdoc or Healthgrades can help you find doctors and read reviews from other patients.
Professional Associations:
- Look up associations such as the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) or the International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness (ISEAI) for member directories.

Seek Recommendations

Primary Care Physician: Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral. They might know specialists in environmental or functional medicine.
Friends and Family: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they know any doctors who specialize in mold-related health issues.
Support Groups and Forums: Join online communities or local support groups focused on mold-related health issues. Members often share recommendations for doctors.

Utilize Social Media and Online Communities [5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mold ]

Facebook Groups: Join groups related to mold illness or environmental health. Members often discuss their experiences with different doctors.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/functionalmedicine or r/EnvironmentalHealth can provide recommendations and advice.

Consult Alternative Health Practitioners

Naturopaths and Functional Medicine Practitioners: These professionals often work with mold-related illnesses and may be able to refer you to a specialist.
Integrative Health Clinics: Many clinics offer a range of specialists, including those who focus on environmental medicine.

Contact Medical Schools and Hospitals

University Hospitals: Contact the environmental health or occupational medicine departments at nearby medical schools or university hospitals. They often have specialists who deal with mold-related illnesses.
Major Hospitals: Large hospitals often have specialized departments or can refer you to external specialists.

Insurance Provider

Insurance Directory: Check your health insurance provider’s directory for covered specialists in environmental or functional medicine.
Customer Service: Call your insurance company and ask for help finding a specialist who deals with mold-related health issues.

Verify Credentials and Experience

Board Certification: Ensure the doctor is board-certified in their specialty.
Experience: Look for a doctor with extensive experience in treating mold-related illnesses. Check their background and patient reviews.

Schedule a Consultation

Initial Consultation: Book an initial consultation to discuss your symptoms and concerns. This meeting will help you assess whether the doctor is a good fit for your needs.

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mold

You are not alone!
There are estimated to be at least 4.6 million asthma suffers that are caused by mold exposure (EPA). It is also estimated that at least 70% of homes have mold.

Finding a great doctor can help your body heal – finding a great remediation partner can heal your home.

We believe no one deserves to live in fear of their home making them sick – at Reliable Remediation we help people find peace of mind by restoring the health and safety of their home after water, fire, and mold damage. [5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Mold ]

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my basement flood even when it isn't raining?

In Eastern CT, this is usually due to a rising water table. Even without active rain, the ground can remain saturated from previous storms or snowmelt, pushing water up through the "cove joint" where your floor meets the wall.

2. Is a damp crawl space as bad as a flooded basement?

Yes. Moisture in a crawl space rises into your home through "the stack effect," bringing mold spores and musty odors with it. It can also cause the wooden support structures of your home to rot over time.

3. Will my homeowner's insurance cover basement flooding?

Standard policies often cover "sudden and accidental" water damage like a burst pipe, but they frequently exclude "seepage" or "groundwater flooding" unless you have a specific flood insurance rider. Always check your policy or speak with your agent.

4. How can I tell if my sump pump is failing?

If you hear it running constantly but the water level isn't dropping, or if it makes a loud grinding noise, it may be reaching the end of its life. We recommend testing your pump every spring by pouring a bucket of water into the basin.

5. What is hydrostatic pressure?

It is the pressure exerted by a fluid due to gravity. When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with rain or snowmelt, the weight of that water pushes against your walls, finding every tiny crack to enter your home.

6. Can I just use a dehumidifier to fix the problem?

A dehumidifier is a great tool for managing humidity, but it is not a solution for active liquid water entering your home. You must first stop the source of the water before a dehumidifier can be effective.

7. How do I stop water from coming in through foundation cracks?

While some small cracks can be sealed from the inside, the best approach is often a combination of exterior drainage improvements (like extending downspouts) and interior drainage systems that channel the water to a sump pump.

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