If you drink mold, the most common effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, or a rash, and people with allergies, asthma, or weak immune systems can have more serious reactions. In rare cases, mold exposure can lead to infection or breathing problems, especially if a lot was consumed or the moldy liquid was contaminated.

What to expect

Most accidental exposures are short-lived and mild, but symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested and your health. Mold can also produce toxins called mycotoxins, which are associated with more serious illness in some situations.

What to do

  • Stop drinking it right away.
  • Rinse your mouth and drink some clean water.
  • Watch for symptoms over the next several hours.
  • Get medical help sooner if you have trouble breathing, severe vomiting, fever, chest tightness, or you’re immunocompromised.

When to get urgent help

Seek urgent care or emergency help if you develop shortness of breath, swelling, repeated vomiting, severe dizziness, or signs of infection. If this was a large amount, or if the person is a child, older adult, pregnant, or has a medical condition, it’s safer to contact a clinician or poison control for personalized advice.

If you want, I can also tell you what to do if you already drank moldy water today.