Mold & Environmental Illness

With less mature lungs and immune systems than adults, children are at greater risk of developing mold and environmental illness, particularly if they spend time in the 47% of homes with mold growth. At Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, Daniel Shtraykher, DO, FAAP, and his team search for the root cause of respiratory concerns and allergic reactions. If you’re concerned that your child has been exposed to mold or other environmental hazards, call Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care or request an appointment online right away to provide your child with evidence-based, comprehensive care.

What are mold and environmental illness?

Environmental illness is a group of health conditions caused by exposure to environmental factors, like chemicals, pollutants, or pathogens, including mold toxins in water-damaged environments.

Mold illness is a form of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). If your child’s immune system reacts to mold spores or other triggers, they may quickly develop concerning inflammation. Look out for black spots on windowsills, musty odors, or areas that flood.

If your child gets exposed to damp conditions or environmental hazards, book an evaluation at Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care. Dr. Shtraykher follows Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker’s CIRS protocol to meet your child’s needs.

What are mold and environmental illness symptoms?

Diagnosing environmental illness is challenging because the symptoms overlap with other conditions, and your child’s answers may be subjective. Headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches are common signs, but they also indicate other childhood ailments, including:

• Nausea
• Sneezing or coughing
• Itchy skin or rashes
• Dizziness
• Respiratory issues like difficulty breathing
• Irritability
• Congestion
• Eye irritation
• Mood changes
• Heart palpitations

Your child may have difficulty expressing that they can’t concentrate or remember things. Mold-related inflammation can mimic PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or exacerbate the condition. If doubtful, schedule an appointment to ensure no signs go overlooked. Many mold-affected children get misdiagnosed with psychiatric disorders.

How are mold and environmental illnesses diagnosed and treated?

A crucial first step is to limit exposure to toxins, pollution, or allergens, and you can hire a professional to treat or remove moldy areas.

Dr. Shtraykher investigates your child’s symptoms and asks about their exposure history and symptom patterns. He orders testing, such as mycotoxin testing, or offers referrals to environmental specialists to create a care plan for your child.

He starts with the most cost-effective approaches, beginning with a practical trial of treatment with personalized therapies, such as using natural or prescription agents to bind mold toxins (binders) and anti-inflammatory or detoxifying support supplements. 

Your child may also benefit from:

• Supplements that calm the immune response and boost recovery
• Nasal sprays
• Nutritional support and gut healing

He addresses co-infections or other concerns, leaving no stone unturned. These treatments are low-risk for children and well-tolerated. The team provides ongoing monitoring and follow-up care to adjust their treatments for results.

If your child exhibits symptoms of mold exposure or an environmental illness, Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care offers step-by-step, comprehensive treatment. Contact the office by phone or book online today.