Episode #42: Navigating Mold-Related Illness in Children With Dr. Pejman Katiraei

When your child suffers from unexplained or mold-related health issues, navigating the perplexing path to healing can be daunting. Dr. Pejman Katiraei joins us to provide guidance, compassion, and clarity on how to maneuver through medical uncertainty. Dr. Katiraei offers valuable insights on mold-related symptoms, testing, and treatments, while sensitively addressing when to dig deeper medically, countering parental guilt, understanding your child’s nervous system, and effectively communicating with doctors. This interview is full of thought-provoking perspectives and "aha moments" that will empower you on your journey through complex pediatric illness.Episode Highlights:What are some symptoms seen in children that are exposed to mold and water damage? (2:56)When should parents and doctors start asking additional questions if the child isn’t improving using typical medical interventions? (6:33)How should parents handle feelings of guilt over incorrect diagnosis and unhelpful medical interventions? (10:24)How often is Dr. Katiraei finding that mold exposure is a factor in medically complex children’s health? (15:13)What testing does Dr. Katiraei run to diagnose his patients with mold exposure, what are the drawbacks of each of these tests, and how does he proceed when finances are constricted? (18:59)How are the tests that Dr. Katiraei uses different from mold allergy blood tests? (25:12)What nervous system issues are common in children due to mold exposure? (28:06)What does Dr. Katiraei use to calm the child’s nervous system down, and when does he use binders and antifungals? (35:53)How can parents communicate with their doctor so that their concerns will be taken seriously? (46:50)What can parents do on their own to help their child’s health improve? (51:39)What would it take to make mold illness accepted by the mainstream medical community? (53:11) Links mentioned in interview:Start Here tab at Change the Air Foundation website: www.changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage ISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness): www.iseai.org/find-a-professional/Dr. Neil Nathan’s vetted practitioners: www.neilnathanmd.com/books/Dr. Pejman Katiraei’s website:  www.wholistickids.com  Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:  ChangeTheAirFoundation.orgSign up for our newsletter: ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/Donate: changetheair-bloom.kindful.com/Disclaimer: Your Indoor Air Podcast, a Change the Air Foundation production, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, healthcare or other professional services, such as giving healthcare advice. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.  Users should not disregard or delay in seeking medical attention for any medical condition or concern they may have.