What is intensification?

One of the surprising things that can happen to a person as they undergo healing from mold illness is something called intensification.

What is intensification?

Intensification is an increased sensitivity to mold, toxins and other noxious things, especially the things that made you sick.

This can result in an increase in symptoms. Without understanding this, the patient will then think they are getting worse. Nothing could be further from the truth!

Intensification is a sign of healing.

One way of looking at intensification is the body protecting itself. Much like a sprained ankle, the body has been injured by toxins and is hyper reactive to defend itself.

Another way of looking at intensification is that the immune system was so compromised by mold it couldn't react to it. With healing taking place the immune system can take a more active role, again, to protect the person.

How long does it take to start intensification?

There is no hard rule. It can start within days or weeks of getting out of a moldy environment, or it can be months or years. You can intensify to one type of mold and then have that improve and then intensify to another for a period of time. 

How long does it last?

Again, no hard rule. Can be days or months and hopefully not years.

Does it ever go away?

Yes, as the body heals the reactivity dies down. Ideally a person is able to still recognize dangerous situations but not be so reactive to it that it causes major interference in their life. 

Is it just mold?

Sometimes  a person exposed to mold for a long period of time will become sensitive to other things like perfumes or other artificial scents. This can occur alongside Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS). 

If you are a mold patient experiencing this, help is out there. I am available to treat mold illness. As a psychotherapist, I can also treat the psychological aspects of mold illness and you can work with your current doctor. 

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