Aspergillosis

The condition is an infection which affects the lungs and sinuses. But the bottom line is that any organ of the body. The main reason for this is the inhalation of fungus spores, known as Aspergillous fumigatus. The fungus is quite common and grows around plant debris, vegetables gone rotten and soiled. The fungus is quite commonly found around the buildings and more commonly in the air-conditioned systems and hospitals. In most of the people, there is immunity for this fungus but for people allergic to this fungus, there could be adverse reactions and lead to weaker immunity system. There are three types of infections which can happen known as Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), Aspergilloma, Invasive aspergillosis.

Symptoms

The symptoms vary with the type of infection which takes place, but some of the very common symptoms are breathing problems like shortness of breath or any deterioration in the asthma state, coughing with brown mucus or blood, blood in urine or any bone pain, lethargic attitude, poor appetite and fever along with a relative weight loss.

Causes

The common causes are due to the inhalation of spore on the aspergillus fungus which is commonly found around hospitals and air conditioned places.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis can be a little tricky since people with respiratory problems in their history, would be already showing similar symptoms. The doctor comes to the conclusion as per the tests conducted and after the doctor suspects of aspergillosis, they may want to go ahead and want to do some more tests, like a chest X-ray to find out anything going wrong in the lungs, a CT scan for finding the extent to which the infection has grown in the system, a bronchoscopy to find out the airway and see through an instrument. This would give a better view to the doctor to diagnose the larynx, trachea and lower airways. They may also want to do a skin check and a tissue sampling for a specific infection type.

Treatment

The treatment is carried out using the anit-fugual medicines, which may at times be given directly to the veins. The anti-fungal medicines may not work for allergic reactions and in such cases, steroid drugs may be given which come in form of pills and inhalers. There are also some available reliever medications available in the market. In some cases, there may be a required surgical removal of the aspergilloma.

Prevention

The prevention is to avoid any exposure to the specific fungus. In case, the patient is already having asthma, then one need to take better care since the immunity has already gone down. People should also avoid places where they may see a chance of the fungal exposure. The effect can also be kept at bay by ensuring that the buildings are properly ventilated and there is also dust control system put in. While construction is done/renovation is takes places,these points can be considered which would definitely help the patient. The disinfection, control of temperature and humidity definitely helps to maintain a better environment.