Aspergillosis is a disease caused by aspergillus, a mold commonly found in soil, on plants and even within most homes.People with weak immune systems or poor lungs can end up with a serious lung infection from the aspergillus, which can spread around the body if not treated properly.The respiratory system is where the symptoms of aspergillosis start.In rare cases, surgery is used for treatment.
Step 1: There is a bloody cough.
There are tubes in the lungs that attach to thebronchi.There are lots of fungus balls within the air spaces when the aspergillusspores hatch there.The mucus of the lungs is penetrated by the fungus and it causes chronic hemoptysis.Thick clumps of mucus are brought up by coughing.Aspergillosis is not a disease that can be spread from person to person.People with chronic lung disorders are more likely to develop pulmonary aspergillosis.
Step 2: Listen for wheezing and breathlessness.
The aspergillusfungal infections of the lungs and airways cause breathing difficulties, such as wheezing and shortness of breath, along with near constant productive coughing.The breathing is labored and sounds like an asthma attack.Without being able to bring in enough oxygen with each breath, sufferers are winded.It's best to rest until you get rid of the lung infection because cardiovascular exercise is very difficult.Both asthma and aspergillosis can occur at the same time.Asthma can be difficult to manage with medication.Chronic coughing and lack of breath can cause chest pain similar to bronchitis or pneumonia.
Step 3: Take notice of the fatigue.
Moderate-to-severe fatigue is a symptom associated with the early stages of aspergillosis.Lung infections are more likely to have fatigue because the tissues get less oxygen.Due to the chronic coughing, breathing difficulty and potential chest pain, many sufferers of aspergillosis have difficulty sleeping at night and becoming sleep deprived.People with chronic lung diseases, organ transplant recipients, people with a low white blood cell count, and people taking high doses of glucocorticoids are all more susceptible to aspergillosis.
Step 4: There is a chance for unintentional weight loss.
Unintended weight loss can be caused by pulmonary aspergillosis, despite not being able to exercise.After a few weeks, your appetite is usually reduced so weight loss becomes noticeable.Losing more than 5 pounds a week is cause for concern.The coughing up of blood, fatigue and wasting away associated with pulmonary aspergillosis is very similar to lung cancer.Most people lose weight in the face and neck area first.If you develop a cough that won't go away, keep an eye on your scales.
Step 5: If you have an allergic reaction, be aware.
Some people with severe asthma can have an allergic reaction to the mold when they breathe in it.Symptoms are similar to asthma, but can also include stuffiness, a runny nose, temporary loss of smell and headaches.Localized inflammation and congestion can be caused by an allergic reaction.People with asthma tend to have more mucus in their airway, which makes it easier for mold to grow and cause an allergic reaction.Those with low levels of white blood cells and those with diabetes are more likely to suffer from aspergillosis.
Step 6: It's a good idea to look for fever and chills.
There are more diverse symptoms that start to develop when the pulmonary aspergillosis becomes invasive.It's not uncommon for an infectious disease to spread to the blood, but not specifically for aspergillosis.It's difficult to know which symptoms are caused by which condition, as invasive aspergillosis develops in people who are already sick from other chronic diseases.It is rare for a severe fever greater than 103oF (39.4C) to occur with aspergillosis.
Step 7: Be aware of headaches and behavioral changes.
The brain, heart, kidneys, and skin are all affected by aspergillosis.There are signs that aspergillus has entered the brain.A person can become quick to anger, get confused easily, or appear more obsessive.Mild swelling from the growth is what causes headaches.The brain is sensitive to pressure.Brain swelling, neuron damage/death, reduced neurotransmitter production, and any toxins released by the fungi can cause behavioral and mood changes.The central nervous symptom is serious and should be addressed by a doctor as soon as possible.
Step 8: There are eye symptoms and facial swelling.
Eye symptoms can be partial or intermittent, and facial swelling can only be seen on one side of the face at a time.The eye can be affected by the fungus, but it usually doesn't affect the brain.Facial swelling and potential paralysis from aspergillosis can mimic a stroke because it only affects one side of the face.Similar to a stroke, damage to one side of the brain can affect the other.Invasive aspergillosis can be fatal if it gets to the brain or heart despite early treatment.
Step 9: Look for any skin problems.
Aspergillosis can spread to the skin and cause infections in people with weak immune systems.The rash has a center that is often dark blue or black.The skin can be affected by the fungus.About 10% of patients with aspergillosis have skin problems.Many of the symptoms of aspergillosis can be seen on the skin, so a skin sample is taken before a diagnosis is made.
Step 10: Wait and watch.
In most cases of simple isolated pulmonary aspergillosis, treatment isn't needed as the lung infection doesn' t create intolerable symptoms and most medications are not effective against fungus anyways.If the symptoms are mild or non-existent, aspergillomas is closely monitored by chest x-rays every six to 12 months.If your immune system gets stronger, you can fight aspergillosis if it doesn't spread into the bloodstream and become systemic.If the condition progresses, particularly if breathing becomes difficult and significant amounts of blood are coughed up, then anti-fungal drugs are usually recommended.
Step 11: Consider the use of oral corticosteroids.
People with aspergillosis who also suffer from pre-existing asthma are recommended to take oral corticosteroids.Corticosteroids are effective for fighting allergic reactions and asthma in the short-term, but aren't used much more than a few months.Corticosteroids help prevent allergic reactions and reduce inflammation within the respiratory system, but they also suppress the immune system and increase the risk of aspergillosis.Steroids can cause other side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and weakened bones.
Step 12: Discuss the use of antifungal medication with your doctor.
The standard treatment for aspergillosis is anti-fungal drugs.Vfend is preferred by your doctor because it seems more effective with fewer side effects.If antifungals are appropriate for your situation, ask your doctor.Antifungal drugs are not helpful for treating allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, but they can be combined with corticosteroids to improve lung function.There are other drugs that can be tried if voriconazole isn't effective.Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of all anti-fungal drugs because they can have serious side effects.In patients with apparent immune problems, anti-fungal medications may be continued for longer if signs and symptoms of the infection are not resolved.