A holistic, evidence-informed approach to mould illness recovery
I combine medical training, ecological medicine, and lived experience to uncover the root causes of mould-related illness. My focus is on addressing your environment as well as your body, so recovery is practical, personalised, and sustainable.
Mould - what symptoms might it cause?
- Fatigue, exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
- Brain fog, poor concentration, slowed thinking
- Memory problems – forgetfulness, short-term lapses
- Headaches or migraines
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Mood changes – anxiety, depression, irritability
- Sleep disturbance, insomnia or unrefreshing sleep
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- Abdominal pain and digestive issues (bloating, diarrhoea, discomfort)
- Respiratory issues – cough, sinusitis, shortness of breath, asthma-like symptoms
- Joint and muscle pain
- Unexplained rashes or skin irritation
- Hormonal changes, including menstrual irregularities
- Worsening of allergies/sensitivies
- Light and sound sensitivity
Mould illness is still poorly recognised in mainstream medicine, beyond its role in triggering allergies. This is slowly changing as more doctors train in ecological medicine and related fields.
I have a particular passion for helping people with mould illness — because I’ve been through it myself. Twice. That lived experience shapes how I work with patients today.
How does mould cause illness?
- Living in a damp or water-damaged building can make you ill — even if you can’t see mould.
Many people with “mould illness” have no visible black spots on their walls, yet hidden water damage can still release mould fragments and toxins that affect health. These problem areas are often concealed — behind wallpaper, between floors, or in materials such as MDF. - Even a leak from years ago, long before you moved in, can still create a mould-toxic environment that impacts your health today.
When a building is water-damaged — from leaks, flooding, or even long-term condensation — damp materials become the perfect breeding ground for moulds, bacteria, and other microbes.
As this hidden microbial “soup” develops, it releases a mix of particles and chemicals into the air, including:
- Mould fragments (tiny pieces that trigger inflammation)
- Mycotoxins (toxic chemicals produced by some moulds)
- Endotoxins (from bacteria)
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
These contaminants are easily breathed in and can slip past the body’s natural filters. Many are small enough to reach deep into the lungs and gut — and some may even be absorbed through the skin.
What happens in the body?
Some practitioners describe the cluster of issues caused by mould and water-damaged buildings as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). In this condition, the body’s immune system becomes stuck in a state of over-activation, driving ongoing symptoms.
In some cases, the microbes you breathe in don’t just pass through — they can take up residence in the sinuses (a process called colonisation). This means that even when you’re away from the mouldy environment, your body may still be exposed to microbial fragments and toxins.
Does this resonate? Ready to book an appointment?
The treatment pathway
Recovery begins with one essential step: reducing or eliminating exposure to mould in your environment.
This is vital.
While some improvements are possible without addressing the home or workplace, lasting recovery rarely happens unless exposure is dealt with. I can guide you to resources and connect you with trusted building professionals — but I’m not a “buildings doctor” myself.
From there, treatment may include:
- Supporting detoxification so the body can process and clear mould-related toxins
- Addressing colonisation (for example, mould in the sinuses)
- Rebuilding and restoring balance in the immune and hormonal systems
- Tackling secondary issues such as viral reactivation or other vulnerabilities
Influences on my practice
My approach is rooted in the model of Dr Jill Crista, complemented by insights from Dr Neil Nathan. I chose to train with Dr Crista because her method resonated deeply when I was navigating my own recovery.
I am super sensitive - can I be treated?
Absolutely!
Heightened sensitivity to all sorts of triggers, including medication and supplements, is common in the patients I treat, and am able to work with this.
I see this is a signal of the body being in "red alert" and so we focus on...
Calming the system
For many patients, we first need to focus on calming the nervous system, immune system, and mast cells - mould is a common trigger for mast cell activation (MCAS). When these are in a state of hypervigilance, the body is “too on guard” to tolerate treatment.
An individualised process
Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual and adapts as your needs change. Progress is not always easy — but recovery is possible. Many patients notice real improvements once the body begins to clear toxins, even if it’s not full health right away.
Next steps
If you recognise yourself in these symptoms and have lived or worked in a damp environment, mould illness could be affecting your health.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
