I grew up in an arid environment so when we did find mold, it was an event. As an urban adult the natural humidity is made much higher by the city environment. So now I have a mold problem inside houses and older buildings.
I discovered a funny reaction to mold found in libraries when I was a kid. Actually it was my older brother who noticed that within ten minutes after walking into the book stacks, I was on my way to the bathroom for a bowel movement. To him it was an amusing quirk in his little brother but we both explored the cause. Mold and mildew were not on the radar of a nine and fourteen year old, but after eliminating everything from laying my ear on my shoulder to read book titles, to checking to see if the smaller branch libraries had the same effect, we hit upon musty books. This isn’t a dangerous condition but mild allergies can become serious allergies and it isn’t easy to predict when that change will switch on.
Black mold on interior house materials is quite visible and like an iceberg. We are in a continuous perfume of mold and everything from penicillium to Stachybotrys c., the black mold of fame and fear lives on every surface they can. Mold needs moisture and food, moisture is within a person's control but the very walls we inhabit are food for molds. Don't burn down the house just because there is mold, even dreaded Sc. needs to be airborne in sufficient quantities to do harm.
Allergic reaction to molds is a different matter altogether and simply fall within the scope of other allergens, you clean or remove what you can and are treated for allergies that remain. Stachybotrys c. is known to cause pulmonary bleeding so it isn't a trivial issue for CFers plus reduced immunity leaves us open to any other mold infection. I used to have a scary but treatable reaction to mold in our house. This has changed over time to a serious allergy. Twice I have required EpiPens to reverse anaphylaxis, both times right next to my bed. Like most serious allergic reactions I went to the ER after, in order to properly treat the allergy and reduce the effects of the adrenaline injections but no hospitalizations.
You are describing an allergic reaction and chances are you live in an area suspect for mold. Why your doctor would jump on mold over other allergens she/he could have suggested, may be based on the current allergy index. CFers catch some pathogenic molds meaning you can contract a mold infection just as nasty as any bacterial infection. People this vulnerable must have conditioned homes with special paints and sealants that block and kill molds. Conditioning the air you breathe as well as lowering the overall humidity in your home will go a long way. It is unfortunate but allergy specialists still have a very little help for desensitizing people against molds so antihistamines are about your only medical help.
The need for hospitalization from mold would be from a serious mold infection. Molds as such are not particularly aggressive pathogens but their toxins within and excreted are amongst the greatest human poisons. Stachybotrys c. produces a toxin that makes rattle snake venom look like pancake syrup. Considering the amounts that are NOT around, it gets conflated with things like flesh eating bacteria or such. Encounters with Sc. are rare and quite overblown since hundreds of molds are black and love wet wallboard.
The point your doctor seems to be making is to take reasonable steps to eliminate mold in your home because you have few options and this is the best solution. Shortness of breath upon waking has got to be freaky. The times I have tightened up have always been anxious moments to say the least so I understand your concerns and questions. Most people have encounters similar to yours if they are sensitive to molds. It is easily managed and your rescue inhaler is there for that very purpose if you get a lung full of mold spores.
Be Better Soon,
LL
Let me know if you don't get them.