A successful Kidney Transplant recipient, Dan Krieg (56-years-old) sadly died at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center after suddenly contracting a fungal infection while at the University's Hospital. What's worse is that he was the fifth Organ Transplant patient to die of a Fungal Infection at the University of Pittsburgh alone in less than two years. Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients often have much weaker immune systems than the general population. As a result of immunity problems, mold exposure could be deadly for Chronic Kidney Disease patients, suggested ProCare Restoration (company that specializes in mold assessment and removal). Although Dialysis Centers and Hospitals seek to maintain a healthy and sterile environment for Chronic Kidney Disease patients, "the reality is that mold growth is a common occurrence in these establishments," said Advance Mold Diagnostic LLC. Hence, what can Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients do to protect themselves?
A Medina Dialysis Clinic in Buffalo New York was temporarily shut-down to clean up a mold problem. This Dialysis Center is not an unusual case. It is a common problem for Dialysis Facilities to have mold buildup because of Dialysis Machine drips associated with regular Dialysis Treatments, water storage leaks, and spills. Anytime there is a leak or spill that goes undetected, which may easily happen when Patient Care Technicians (Techs) are focused on the task of taking care of their patients, the potential for mold is high. This is one reason that regular mold inspections are an important part of keeping a Dialysis Center safe for Chronic Kidney Disease patients with compromised immune systems.
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If you suspect that your Dialysis Center may have problems with mold growth, then you should immediately bring it to the attention of your Nurse and/or Clinic Manager. Early signs of mold exposure of which Chronic Kidney Disease patients should be aware include the following:
- Fatigue and weakness
- A headache, light sensitivity
- Poor memory, difficulty in finding words
- Severe and unusual morning stiffness and joint pain
- Unusual skin sensations such as tingling and numbness
- Shortness of breath, sinus congestion or a chronic cough
- Appetite swings
- Inability to regulate body temperature
- Substantially increased thirst
- Red eyes, blurred vision,
- Sweats
- Mood swings
- Sharp and intense pains
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating
- Tearing, disorientation,
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Static shocks
- Vertigo
- Feeling lightheaded
If symptoms persist, then bring it to the attention of your Nephrologist and consider transferring Dialysis Centers, as necessary.
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Chronic Kidney Disease patients may also consider carrying a small portable air purifier which they may be used during their Dialysis Treatments for enhanced safety. Devices such as a Portable Air Purifier and Fan range from $39.99 to upwards of $100.00 (click here).
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This recent mold scare in the Chronic Kidney Disease Community highlights the importance for patients to remain watchful. How do you remain on alert as it relates to your health and In-Center care? Share your response with the over 43,000 Facebook Fan Page Friends (click here). Also, KidneyBuzz.com has reached well over 1,000,000 viewers within the past twelve (12) months. Thank you for your continued support and viewership. Please share KidneyBuzz.com with others so that they may have access to the latest breaking news and information which teaches those with Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes, and High Blood Pressure how to better manage and improve their lives.