What is aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is an infection, allergic reaction, or fungal growth caused by aspergillus mould. This mould can be found in many places (soil, air, plants, decomposing organic matter, dust and food).
The most common types of aspergillosis are aspergillosis fumigatus and aspergillosis flavus. The most complex type is pulmonar aspergillosis since it invades and damages all the tissues in the body, in particular the lungs. It especially affects people who suffer from asthma or cystic fibrosis.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may vary depending on the type of Aspergillosis, but commonly include:
- a cough (sometimes with blood, called haemoptysis)
- shortness of breath
- a fever
- pain in the chest and bones
- weight loss
- headaches
Causes of aspergillosis
The illness is the result of a combination of exposure to aspergillus mould and a weakened immune system.
Aspergillosis is rare in people who have no existing medical conditions. People at risk of Aspergillosis include:
- People who have a lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- People who have a weakened immune system, such as people receiving treatment with chemotherapy
- People who have flu or coronavirus, and are in need of articial ventilation
- People who had tuberculosis
The diagnosis is obtained by performing a chest X-ray, a CT scan of the lungs, or an examination of the tissues to verify the existence of the fungus in question.
What is the treatment?
Medication: The treatment of aspergillosis is based on the prescription of antifungal medications. Oral or intravenous drugs such as voriconazole can treat the invasive type of aspergillosis. If you have allergic aspergillosis, you may receive medication that suppresses your immune system, such as prednisone, along with antifungal drugs.
Surgery: If the fungus causes aspergilloma (a ball of mould in the lungs) surgery is usually necessary to remove the mould if it’s causing symptoms.