Mold Toxicity Doctor in NYC
Exposure to mold and the mycotoxins it produces can drive chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and neurological symptoms that persist long after leaving the environment.
Feel worse at home or at work, and better when you leave?
- Brain fog, headaches or sinus trouble that won’t clear
- Symptoms started after a leak, a move or a renovation
- Doctor after doctor has found nothing wrong
You’re not alone. Many of Dr. Kellman’s patients arrive after years of unexplained symptoms and being told their labs look normal. His job is to keep looking.
Why it goes unrecognized
Mold illness presents as fatigue, brain fog, headaches, sinus and respiratory symptoms, sensitivity to smells and chemicals, and mood change — a pattern that maps onto many other diagnoses.
Patients are often treated for allergies, anxiety, or chronic fatigue for years before exposure is ever considered.
The Kellman approach
Dr. Kellman assesses mycotoxin burden alongside immune and inflammatory status, because the illness is driven by the immune response to exposure as much as by the exposure itself.
Treatment addresses the ongoing source, supports binding and elimination of mycotoxins, calms the inflammatory response, and restores microbiome and mitochondrial function.
What is mold toxicity?
“Mold toxicity” or “mold illness” describes symptoms that some people develop after exposure to water-damaged buildings, where mold and the compounds it produces (mycotoxins) can build up. Mold can cause allergic and respiratory reactions, and some people report wider symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. How these broader symptoms develop is still being researched, and the condition isn't recognized the same way by every medical organization, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
Symptoms of mold toxicity
- Fatigue and weakness
- Brain fog, poor concentration or memory problems
- Headaches
- Sinus congestion, cough, wheezing or shortness of breath
- Itchy or watery eyes and skin rashes
- Sensitivity to smells, light or chemicals
- Joint or muscle aches
- Mood changes and trouble sleeping
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, including allergies, asthma, low thyroid and chronic fatigue, so they are a reason to investigate rather than a diagnosis on their own.
Common sources of mold exposure
- Leaks, flooding or past water damage in a home or office
- Damp basements and bathrooms
- Older HVAC systems and window units
- Visible mold or a persistent musty smell
How Dr. Kellman evaluates mold-related illness
Evaluation starts with your exposure history, the timing of your symptoms and a medical review to rule out other causes. Testing is chosen individually and may include bloodwork, inflammatory and immune markers, and other tests where appropriate. Identifying and fixing the source of exposure is a key first step, and an environmental inspection of the home or workplace is often recommended.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on removing ongoing exposure, calming inflammation and supporting recovery, which may include nutritional support, microbiome support and other therapies chosen for the individual. Patients are seen in Midtown Manhattan and by telehealth.
Common questions
I moved out of the moldy building and still feel sick. Why?
Because mold illness is driven substantially by the immune and inflammatory response to exposure, which can persist after the exposure ends. Stored mycotoxin burden also continues to affect the body until it is cleared.
Can mold exposure cause neurological symptoms?
Yes. Brain fog, headaches, poor concentration, and mood change are commonly reported and reflect the neuroinflammatory effect of mycotoxin exposure.
How do I know if mold is making me sick?
Symptoms that started or worsened after time in a damp or water-damaged building, and that improve when you're away from it, are a common clue. A medical evaluation can help rule out other causes.
What kind of doctor treats mold toxicity?
Allergists, pulmonologists and some integrative and functional medicine doctors evaluate mold-related illness. Dr. Kellman looks at exposure history together with immune, inflammatory and gut factors.