Could Mould Be Affecting My Child? Insights from a Naturopath for PANS

Could mould be triggering your child’s sudden anxiety or tics?

Mould exposure has become an increasingly recognised trigger for childhood neuroinflammatory conditions such as PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) and PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). For many families, the journey begins with sudden changes in their child’s behaviour, sleep, mood or learning, often after being unwell. But what if the cause is silently growing right inside your home?

If your child has ongoing anxiety, tics, OCD-type behaviours, emotional storms or gut issues, and no one can explain why, it is worth knowing the link between mould and these immune driven conditions.

What Are PANS and PANDAS?

PANDAS is triggered by a strep infection. PANS can be triggered by various infections or immune stressors including viruses, Lyme, mycotoxins from mould, and even chronic inflammation in the gut.

Both conditions are rooted in immune dysregulation. The immune system produces antibodies to fight an infection or irritant, but those antibodies mistakenly target the brain instead. The area most affected is the basal ganglia which explains the sudden onset of symptoms like:

• Tics or compulsive behaviours

• Separation anxiety or panic attacks

• Sudden rage or meltdowns

• Sleep disturbances

• Regressions in behaviour or learning

• Restrictive eating or food fear

• Frequent urination or bedwetting

Parents often describe it as “my child changed overnight.”

How Mould Triggers PANS and PANDAS

Mould exposure releases spores and toxic byproducts called mycotoxins. For some children, these toxins overwhelm the immune system and create a chronic inflammatory response.

This can lead to:

• Activation of immune pathways that affect the brain

• Increased intestinal permeability which drives food sensitivities

• Changes in gut microbes that affect mood, focus and behaviour

• Overload of the detoxification systems in the liver and nervous system

For children who are genetically more vulnerable or already dealing with immune stress, mould can be the tipping point.

Signs Your Child May Be Reacting to Mould

Parents often notice patterns like:

• Symptoms worsen at home and improve when away

• Smell of damp, mould or musty odours

• Recurrent sinus infections or chronic cough

• Dark circles under the eyes

• Headaches or light sensitivity

• Fatigue that is not resolved by rest

• Behavioural reactions after being in certain rooms

If you suspect mould, trust your instincts. Children’s bodies are often the first to show us something is wrong.

Why PANS and PANDAS are Often Missed

Many children are given labels like:

• ADHD

• Anxiety disorder

• Autism traits

• OCD

• Behavioural issues

However, when symptoms flare suddenly or in clusters, it is usually a sign something deeper is happening in the immune system. Treating only the behaviour does not help a child heal.

Parents are rarely asked about mould exposure, and children are rarely assessed for infections that can trigger neuroinflammation.

This is where a naturopathic approach can bridge the gap.

How I Support Children With PANS and PANDAS

My approach focuses on calming the immune system and identifying the root triggers. This may include:

• Assessing mould exposure and home environment

• Gut microbiome testing and healing protocols

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition to reduce brain and immune stress

• Gentle detoxification support

• Herbal medicine to calm anxiety and improve sleep

• Targeted supplements that support immune balance and brain health

Every child is unique. We take things slowly, creating a supportive plan that fits your family.

Learn more about my approach to children’s wellbeing here:
https://www.botanicartisan.com.au/childrens-herbal-medicine-naturopathy

A Gentle Word for Parents

If you are reading this and feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. I speak with many mums who have tried everything and still feel like they are missing a piece of the puzzle. There is always a path forward, and even small steps can bring relief and hope.

You deserve support. Your child deserves to feel safe in their own body. And with the right help, healing is possible.

Ready to Explore the Root Cause?

If your child has symptoms that come and go, worsen with illness, or seem to flare in damp environments, mould may be contributing.

I offer online naturopathic consultations for families across Australia.

Book a free discovery call and let’s start uncovering what your child’s body is trying to tell us.

With care,
Ayelet