If your child has cystic fibrosis and there are signs of a termite infestation in your home, you will need to have your home exterminated to reduce your child's risk of developing a medical condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Here's why and how to rid your home of termites. 

Connection between termites, moisture, and mold 

Termites need water to survive, which is why they look for moisture. Anywhere there's moisture, there's a risk of mold growth. Mold growth can get spread throughout your home by termites as they track through the structure. Mold spores can get released into the air and travel throughout your home. 

Inhaled mold spores can cause aspergillosis 

If mold spores are inhaled, the spores can get trapped in the lungs. This can cause an allergic reaction, which is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. This typically doesn't occur in people with healthy lung function. What is crucial to understand about this condition in regards to your child's cystic fibrosis is that some of the symptoms are identical: increased mucus and a mucus or blood producing-cough. Other symptoms of aspergillosis mimic asthma. 

Testing and treating aspergillosis is important

If you suspect that your child may have aspergillosis, their pulmonologist will need to do some testings, which includes imaging, blood tests, sputum culture, and a lung biopsy. Fortunately, treatment for aspergillosis can be done with medication when the medical condition is recognized as early as possible. If the mold spores are allowed to continue to grow in the lungs, surgery may be necessary. 

Temporary housing while the home is rid of termites and mold is crucial 

Treatment for aspergillosis and keeping your child's cystic fibrosis under control can only be successful if your child avoids environments with termites and mold. You will need to hire a termite control service exterminate your home. Additionally, ask the exterminator to help you prevent future termite infestations and conduct frequent inspections. 

You'll also need to hire a mold remediation service. Due to the risk of mold spores being kicked up into the air during termite extermination, the mold remediation work should be done after the termites have been exterminated. While your home is being rid of termites and mold, it's highly recommended for you and your child to stay in a hotel or with a friend or family member. Depending on the severity of the termites and mold, this may mean an extended stay away. 

For more information, contact a business such as Ace Walco & Sons Termite & Pest Control.