🧠 What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine is a systems-based, root-cause approach to health. It often includes:

• Extensive lifestyle and nutritional interventions

• Gut health, inflammation, and hormone balancing

• Personalised lab tests

• Use of supplements and sometimes herbal medicine

• Emphasis on long appointments and listening to patient history

It’s sometimes practised by conventionally trained doctors who’ve moved toward a holistic model.

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📊 What Evidence Supports It?

✅ Areas with Evidence Backing:

1. Nutrition and Anti-inflammatory Diets

   • Strong evidence that Mediterranean-style and low-inflammatory diets improve outcomes in:

     • Asthma

     • Rheumatoid arthritis

     • IBS

     • Type 2 diabetes

     • Depression

   • Functional medicine often emphasises whole-food diets, removal of triggers (gluten, dairy), and gut healing.

2. Mind-Body Practices

   • Meditation, breathwork, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care show clear benefits for:

     • Anxiety and depression

     • Chronic pain and fatigue

     • Breathing-related anxiety

   • These are often core components of integrative or functional care.

3. Supplement Use

   • Evidence supports:

     • Vitamin D for immunity and asthma support (including ABPA)

     • Magnesium for muscle and nerve health

     • B12 and folate in neuropathy

     • Omega-3s for inflammation

   • Functional medicine practitioners often use lab-guided supplementation.

4. Patient-centred care model

   • Evidence shows longer consultations, continuity of care, and active listening improve outcomes in chronic illness, even without radical therapies.

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❌ Where Evidence Is Weaker or Emerging:

• Many supplement protocols and “gut healing” programs are not yet backed by large clinical trials.

• Some tests used in functional medicine (e.g., food intolerance panels, microbiome mapping) lack standardisation and clinical validation.

• Functional medicine can be very expensive, and quality varies a lot between practitioners.

• Some critics argue it can promote over-testing and unnecessary restrictions.

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📚 Scientific Studies & Reviews

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🩺 So—Should You Consider It?

Possibly yes, if:

• You're looking to reduce reliance on medications like corticosteroids

• You want to explore nutrition, breathwork, and natural anti-inflammatory strategies

• You work with a qualified, experienced practitioner who respects your current treatments and doesn’t ask you to stop them

But approach with caution, if:

• You're being sold expensive supplements, unvalidated tests, or restrictive diets without clear rationale

• You're being advised to abandon proven therapies like antifungals or steroids without a safe taper

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✅ How to Proceed Safely:

• Choose a practitioner who is medically trained (e.g. GP, nurse, or naturopathic doctor with evidence-based credentials)

• Ask for collaboration with your respiratory or infectious disease team

• Focus on nutrition, anxiety management, physical rehab, and reducing inflammation as starting points

• Be skeptical of miracle cures or overly rigid protocols

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by GAtherton

🏡 How to Keep a Home Dry and Mould-Free: A Practical Guide

With a tailored appendix for different home types

Mould and damp are more than just unsightly—they can damage your home, trigger health issues, and worsen respiratory conditions. The key to staying mould-free is simple in principle: control moisture. But in practice, it takes a smart combination of habits, ventilation, insulation, and sometimes, a little investment.

Here’s everything you need to know.

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🌫️ Understanding Damp and Mould

What causes damp?

• Condensation – the most common cause, especially in colder months.

• Penetrating damp – moisture seeping in from outside (leaks, cracks, faulty gutters).

• Rising damp – water coming up through walls from the ground (more rare, especially with modern damp proofing).

• Leaks and plumbing issues – a hidden drip can cause major mould over time.

Why mould forms

Mould thrives where there’s moisture, poor ventilation, and cool surfaces. Kitchens, bathrooms, corners, and wardrobes are typical problem spots.

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✅ Daily Habits to Prevent Damp and Mould

1. Ventilate every day

• Open windows for at least 10–15 minutes daily, even in winter.

• Use trickle vents if your windows have them.

• Leave internal doors open when appropriate to keep air moving.

• Use kitchen and bathroom extractor fans during and after use (20 minutes is ideal).

2. Control moisture indoors

• Put lids on pots while cooking.

• Dry clothes outside or with a vented tumble dryer. Avoid air-drying indoors unless a dehumidifier is running.

• Don’t overfill wardrobes and cupboards—they need airflow.

• Wipe condensation from windows and sills daily during colder months.

3. Use a dehumidifier

• Especially useful in winter or poorly ventilated rooms.

• Aim to keep indoor humidity between 40–60%.

• A small digital hygrometer can help you monitor humidity levels.

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🧰 Maintenance and Improvements

1. Insulate your home properly

• Warm walls are less likely to attract condensation.

• Consider:

  • Cavity wall insulation

  • Loft insulation

  • Double or triple glazing

2. Fix sources of external damp

• Check roof tiles, flashing, and gutters.

• Ensure rainwater drains away from the building.

• Seal around windows and doors where gaps appear.

• Check for damp patches after heavy rain.

3. Maintain heating wisely

• Keep your home at a steady temperature—fluctuations cause condensation.

• Even low background heating in unused rooms helps.

• Smart thermostats can help balance efficiency and dryness.

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🚫 What NOT to Do

• Don’t block air bricks or cover trickle vents.

• Don’t ignore a small patch of mould—it spreads quickly.

• Don’t use bleach on porous surfaces—it can only slow mould growth for a short time. There are more persistent alternatives available - see appendix below.

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🧼 Treating Mould Safely

If you find mould:

1. Wear gloves and a mask (especially with asthma, COPD, or ABPA).

2. Use a mould-killing spray (look for fungicidal properties—not just bleach).

3. Wipe with a disposable cloth, and discard after use.

4. Do not dry brush mould—it releases spores.

5. For persistent mould, consider professional removal.

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👃 Protecting Sensitive Individuals

If you or someone in your home has asthma, allergies, or a lung condition:

• Be especially vigilant about damp signs.

• Keep a portable dehumidifier in bedrooms or living spaces.

• Avoid carpeting in damp-prone rooms (e.g., bathrooms).

• Consider HEPA-filtered air purifiers.

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💡 Final Tips

• Check behind furniture and under windowsills regularly—mould hides in still air.

• If mould keeps returning in the same place, it’s a sign of a deeper issue (insulation or leak).

• In colder months, consider heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) or positive input ventilation (PIV) systems for constant fresh airflow without heat loss.

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🧾 Checklist Summary

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🌟 In Summary

Keeping a home mould-free is really about mastering three things:

1. Moisture control

2. Good ventilation

3. Timely maintenance

You don’t need to spend a fortune—but you do need to be consistent. With just a few good habits and the right tools, you can create a dry, healthy living space that protects both your home and your health.

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🧽Appendix: Alternatives to Bleach for Cleaning Mould

While bleach can remove surface mould, it doesn’t always kill the roots—especially on porous surfaces like plaster, wood, or grout. It can also irritate lungs and skin, which is risky for people with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

Here are safer and often more effective alternatives:

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✅ 1. White Vinegar (undiluted)

• Naturally antifungal and antibacterial.

• Spray directly on mould, leave for 1 hour, then scrub and rinse.

• Can be followed up with baking soda for tougher patches.

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✅ 2. Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)

• Mild bleaching effect without harsh fumes.

• Spray on, let it fizz for 10 minutes, scrub, and wipe clean.

• Avoid mixing with vinegar—it forms peracetic acid, which is irritating.

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✅ 3. Baking Soda

• Gentle, non-toxic, and deodorizing.

• Mix with water to form a paste for scrubbing.

• Works well in combination with vinegar.

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✅ 4. Tea Tree Oil

• Mix 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.

• Leave on surface—no need to rinse.

• Natural antifungal, but can be costly.

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✅ 5. Commercial Mould Cleaners (Non-Bleach)

• Look for products labelled fungicidal and biodegradable.

• Many are formulated for asthma/allergy-safe use.

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Tip: Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning mould, and ventilate the area well.

📎 Appendix: Adapting to Your Home Type

Different homes face different moisture challenges. Here's how to stay mould-free whether you're in a flat, cottage, or basement flat.

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🏢 A. Living in a Flat

Common issues:

• Limited window access or airflow.

• Shared walls can conceal leaks or spread moisture.

• Some flats restrict structural changes (like ventilation systems).

Key tips:

• Use extractor fans religiously, especially in windowless bathrooms or kitchens.

• Dehumidifiers are essential—compact ones work well in bedrooms or wardrobes.

• Open windows in opposite directions (if possible) for cross-ventilation.

• Avoid drying clothes indoors unless a vented dryer or dehumidifier is running.

• Check walls and ceilings near shared plumbing (e.g., adjacent bathrooms) for signs of hidden leaks.

• If condensation gathers on double-glazed windows, clean the drainage channels (weep holes).

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🏡 B. Living in a Cottage or Older Property

Common issues:

• Stone or solid walls retain moisture.

• Poor insulation and historic windows.

• Ventilation often lacking.

• Prone to rising damp and penetrating damp.

Key tips:

• Consider breathable wall treatments like limewash or mineral paint (avoid modern plastic-based paints).

• Use dehumidifiers in cold or musty rooms.

• Install positive input ventilation (PIV) to introduce fresh, dry air from the loft space.

• Check and maintain guttering and drains—blockages often cause external damp patches.

• Lift furniture slightly off exterior walls to allow air to circulate.

• Avoid blocking air bricks or floor vents—they’re vital in older homes.

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🧱 C. Living in a Basement Flat

Common issues:

• Naturally colder and damper.

• Less sunlight = slower drying.

• Susceptible to groundwater seepage, leaks, and poor airflow.

Key tips:

• Use high-capacity dehumidifiers year-round.

• Consider wall tanking or damp-proof membranes if persistent damp is structural.

• Ventilate by opening high and low windows (if available) to create air movement.

• Invest in a combined humidistat and extractor system for bathrooms and kitchens.

• Use mould-resistant paint and avoid storing items directly against external walls.

• If condensation forms regularly, consider internal insulation or dry lining systems (with professional advice).

• Be proactive about drainage checks and raise the issue with landlords/building managers if problems arise.

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💡 Final Thought

No matter where you live—above ground, below, or in an older stone home—you can control moisture with the right combination of ventilation, maintenance, and daily habits. Some properties may take more effort or investment, but mould isn’t inevitable.

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by GAtherton

I have a positive blood test for aspergillosis, when will I start being treated?

A positive blood test (I’m guessing you mean for Aspergillus antibodies or antigens?) can be a key part of the diagnosis, but treatment decisions usually depend on the full clinical picture, not just one result.

Here’s a general idea of how things are typically assessed and when hospitals begin treatment:

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🩺 1. What Type of Blood Test Was It?

There are several “positive” results that could show up in blood tests related to aspergillosis:

• Aspergillus IgE or IgG antibodies (often used for ABPA or CPA diagnosis)

• Galactomannan or beta-D-glucan (used more for invasive disease)

• Eosinophil count / total IgE (helpful in ABPA)

So it’s important to know which test came back positive, and what condition is suspected.

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🔍 2. When Do Hospitals Start Treatment?

Treatment usually starts when a combination of the following is met:

• Clear symptoms (e.g. breathlessness, cough, sputum, weight loss, fatigue)

• Consistent scan findings (like lung cavities, infiltrates, or mucus plugging)

• Positive blood tests

• Sometimes confirmed sputum culture or biopsy

Depending on the condition:

▪️ ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis):

• Treated with steroids and/or antifungals when symptoms and blood results match

• Early treatment helps avoid lung damage

▪️ CPA (Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis):

• Treatment starts when scans and symptoms show progression, often with positive IgG

• Long-term antifungal therapy may be offered

▪️ Invasive Aspergillosis:

• Immediate treatment — often IV antifungals — if suspected, especially in immunocompromised patients

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🕑 3. Not All Positive Results Mean Treatment Right Away

Sometimes, a positive result means you’ll be:

• Monitored regularly (watch-and-wait approach)

• Sent for more scans or sputum tests

• Assessed by a specialist team (like a respiratory or infectious diseases clinic)

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📞 What to Do Next:

If you're not sure what your result means, ask your GP or hospital team:

• Which test was positive?

• What diagnosis are they considering?

• Do I need treatment now or further investigations?

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💬 You're not alone — many people here have been through that “positive result but no clear plan yet” stage. Keep asking questions and pushing for clarity. And if you'd like help interpreting the result letter (with personal details removed), some people here may be able to share their experience.

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by GAtherton

​Survey of current national and international guidance to reduce risk of exposure to Aspergillus spp. in healthcare settings

​The article reviews existing guidelines aimed at minimizing the risk of Aspergillus exposure in hospitals and clinics throughout the world. Aspergillus is a common mold that can cause serious infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions.​

Key Points for Patients:

• Vulnerable Groups: Patients with compromised immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants) and individuals with chronic lung diseases are at higher risk of Aspergillus infections.​

• Preventive Measures in Healthcare Settings: The article emphasizes the importance of infection control practices in hospitals to protect at-risk patients. These measures include maintaining proper ventilation systems, using HEPA filters, and implementing protective protocols during construction or renovation activities within healthcare facilities.​

• Need for Consistent Guidelines: The review highlights that while various national and international guidelines exist, there is a need for more consistent and comprehensive recommendations to effectively reduce Aspergillus exposure in healthcare environments.​

What This Means for You:

• Stay Informed: If you are at risk, be aware of the infection control practices in place at your healthcare facility.​

• Advocate for Safety: Don't hesitate to ask healthcare providers about the measures they take to prevent mold exposure, especially during hospital stays or treatments.​

• Personal Precautions: Follow any advice given by your healthcare team regarding personal protective measures, such as wearing masks or avoiding certain areas during hospital visits.​

For more detailed information, you can access the full article here: ScienceDirect Article

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by GAtherton

🌿 Seasonal Patterns in Aspergillosis (General Overview for UK)

🔹 1. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

ABPA symptoms — including cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and sputum plugs — often flare in spring and autumn, due to:

• 🌸 Increased spore counts in the air (Aspergillus spores peak with leaf mold, compost, and decaying plant material)

  • Homes that have poorly controlled humidity tend to grow moulds more in Autumn/Winter

• 🤧 Coinciding with other allergies and asthma triggers

• 🍂 Damp weather and decaying vegetation can promote indoor mold growth

📌 Patients often report flares in April–May and September–October, sometimes needing steroids or antifungals adjusted.

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🔹 2. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)

CPA may show less dramatic seasonality, but symptoms (fatigue, cough, haemoptysis) can worsen in:

• ❄️ Winter – due to:

  • Increased viral infections (influenza, RSV, etc.)

  • Cold air worsening underlying lung disease (COPD, bronchiectasis)

  • Indoor heating leading to drier air and more airborne spores

    • Homes that have poorly controlled humidity tend to grow moulds more in Autumn/Winter

• 📉 Reduced sunlight/vitamin D may also affect immunity

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🔹 3. Invasive Aspergillosis (IA)

Invasive disease tends to be more linked to hospital exposure, immunosuppression, and construction/dust, rather than season. However:

• Some studies have linked higher hospital-acquired IA rates to building works in warmer months, when air filtration is challenged.

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✅ Summary Statement You Could Use:

“While aspergillosis can cause symptoms year-round, many patients with ABPA or chronic forms report worsening symptoms in spring and autumn, likely due to increased mold exposure, humidity changes, and seasonal allergens. Winter can also pose challenges for those with weakened lungs or immune systems.”

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by GAtherton

When Breath Becomes Panic: Coping with Breathing-Related Fear in Aspergillosis

For many people living with aspergillosis—whether it's ABPA, CPA, or another form—there’s a quiet fear that goes beyond the coughing, mucus, or fatigue. It’s the fear of simply not being able to breathe.

And when that fear takes hold, it can become a panic attack, made worse by breathlessness itself. It’s a vicious cycle: the harder it is to breathe, the more fear takes over… and the more fear takes over, the harder it becomes to breathe.

For some, these episodes can be so intense that they involve loss of bladder or bowel control, trembling, dizziness, or a terrifying feeling of doom. These are real physical symptoms. They’re not “just in your head.” They’re a nervous system in overdrive, reacting to what feels like a life-or-death moment.

You are not alone in this.

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What Is a Breathing Panic?

A breathing panic (or panic attack triggered by breathlessness) is when a person’s body and mind go into full emergency mode — often without warning — because they feel they’re not getting enough air.

In aspergillosis, this can happen:

• During a flare-up or infection

• After exertion or exposure to allergens

• At night, when mucus blocks airways

• During coughing fits

• When feeling isolated, scared, or overwhelmed

The body releases adrenaline, heart rate speeds up, muscles tighten, and breathing becomes shallow or frantic. The brain believes it’s under threat. And sometimes, that intense physical response can lead to involuntary bladder or bowel release, shaking, chest pain, or feeling faint.

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“I Thought I Was Dying” — You're Not Alone

Many patients describe these episodes as terrifying. Some feel embarrassed or afraid to tell others about what really happened — especially if they lost control of bodily functions. But this is not weakness or failure. It is the body doing its best to survive a perceived emergency.

There is no shame in what your body does when it’s frightened.

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How to Cope During a Breathing Panic

Here are some tools used by people living with lung conditions to manage and reduce panic when it strikes:

1. Focus on the Out-Breath

When panicking, many people gasp for air. But exhaling fully is key. Try:

• Pursing your lips like blowing out a candle

• Slowly exhaling for longer than you inhale

• Counting the exhale to 4 or 5 if you can

2. Ground Your Senses

To bring your mind back into your body:

• Look around and name 5 things you see

• Touch 4 things and describe their texture

• Listen for 3 sounds

• Smell 2 things

• Say 1 thing out loud that you’re grateful for

3. Position Your Body

Sit upright or lean forward slightly. A position known as “tripod breathing” — resting forearms on a table or knees — can help open the lungs.

4. Cool Air on the Face

A small fan blowing gently on your face can help signal to the brain that it’s safe to slow down.

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Preventing Future Panic Episodes

You can’t always avoid breathlessness, but you can build confidence in managing it:

- Respiratory Physiotherapy

Ask your GP or consultant to refer you to a respiratory physio. They can teach breathing control techniques that may reduce the risk of panic and improve mucus clearance.

- Psychological Support

Breathing panic has a huge emotional impact. You may benefit from talking therapies like:

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) tailored to breathlessness

• ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy) for chronic illness

• Trauma-informed therapy if panic stems from medical trauma

In many parts of the UK, IAPT services offer free NHS therapy — you can even self-refer online.

- Pelvic Floor Support

If you’ve experienced bladder or bowel accidents during panic, there is help available. Continence nurses and pelvic health physios can offer discreet support, exercises, and advice to rebuild control and confidence.

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You Deserve Support, Not Silence

Panic is not a failure. It’s your body’s alarm bell — but you don’t have to live in fear of it. With the right tools, support, and compassion (for yourself as well as from others), you can take steps to feel safer in your body again.

If you’ve been through this, speak to your respiratory team. They need to know. If you’ve felt alone, reach out to a support group — like the Aspergillosis Support UK group — where others truly understand.

You’re not alone. And you are stronger than your worst moments.

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by GAtherton