DOES INHALATIONAL TOXICITY FROM MOLD EXIST?
These authors describe symptoms of 50 people with alleged “mold toxicity,” 61% of whom were smokers or former smokers. The most common complaints were upper and lower airway problems (nasal congestion, shortness of breath or cough), nonspecific body complaints, and neurological problems (dizziness, headaches, memory loss, mood disorders, and insomnia). The clinical presentation in perceived mold-induced toxicity is characterized by a disparate constellation of symptoms, some of which were preexisting or psychogenic. Great similarities exist between “toxic mold syndrome” and other pseudo-diagnostic categories such as “sick building syndrome” and “idiopathic chemical intolerance”. Editor’s comment: Scientific evidence to support the existence of “toxic mold syndrome” is lacking. Khalili B, et al. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology 2005; 95: 239. 8. ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIONS OF GLUCOCORTICOIDS-NEW MECHANISMS FOR OLD DRUGS Inflammation plays a major role in allergic diseases, asthma, au
