These diseases can range from mild to life-threatening. The group of diseases caused by this mold is referred to as aspergillosis.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)Allergic Aspergillus sinusitisAspergillomaChronic pulmonary aspergillosisInvasive aspergillosisCutaneous aspergillosis
WheezingShortness of breathCoughBrown or dark mucous (also known as sputum)Fever in rare cases
StuffinessRunny noseHeadacheReduced ability to smell
CoughCoughing up bloodShortness of breath
Weight lossCoughCoughing up bloodFatigueShortness of breath
FeverChest painCoughCoughing up bloodShortness of breath
A chest X-ray or chest CT scan, which can reveal an aspergilloma, fungal mass, or the characteristic signs of invasive aspergillosis and ABPARespiratory secretion (sputum) test, in which a sample of your sputum is stained with a dye and checked for the presence of Aspergillus filamentsTissue and blood tests, which may help confirm ABPABiopsy of tissues from your lungs or sinuses and blood tests, to confirm invasive aspergillosis
Prognosis of Aspergillus Infection
In addition, many of these patients relapse. Over long-term therapy, the fungi may develop resistance to some antifungals. Allergic forms, like ABPA, may require steroid and antifungal treatment for a few months, possibly longer.
Avoid construction or excavation sites, where dust is heavy. Wear an N95 mask if you can’t limit your exposure to these areas.Avoid activities that include close contact with soil or dust, such as yard work or gardening. If you do these activities, especially if you handle soil, moss, or manure, wear shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.Clean any cuts or skin abrasions well with soap and water, especially if they’ve been exposed to soil or dust.Use antifungal medication. Your doctor might prescribe medication to prevent aspergillosis if you’re at a high risk for developing invasive aspergillosis (for example, if you’ve had an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant).Test for early infection. Blood tests to detect invasive aspergillosis may help some high-risk patients.
Aspergillomas and invasive aspergillosis can cause severe bleeding in your lungs, which can be fatal. It can potentially affect individuals of any age, and mild cases may go undiagnosed. The CDC’s website is a great place to find detailed information on any number of infectious diseases and conditions, including statistics on prevalence and outbreaks. National Organization for Rare Disorders This patient advocacy organization’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by rare diseases. On NORD’s website, you will find detailed information about your disease or disorder, links and contact information for disease-specific supporting organizations, and guidelines to help you locate an experienced specialist. Additional reporting by Joseph Bennington-Castro.
