Aspergillus is a type of fungus (a spore-forming mold) commonly found both outdoors and indoors throughout the World. It grows on plants, soil, rotting vegetable matter, household dust, building materials, and food items.
These diseases can range from mild to life-threatening.
The group of diseases caused by this mold is referred to as aspergillosis.
• Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis
• Aspergilloma
• Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
• Invasive aspergillosis
• Cutaneous aspergillosis
Signs and Symptoms of Aspergillosis
The different types of aspergillosis can cause different symptoms.
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
Brown or dark mucous (also known as sputum)
Fever in rare cases
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Reduced ability to smell
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Coughing up blood
• Shortness of breath
Causes and Risk Factors of Aspergillosis
In addition to being found on dead leaves, compost piles, and decaying vegetable matter, this mold is also known to grow on starchy foods like potatoes or bread, stored grains,and even on spices.
Diagnosis
• Respiratory secretion (sputum) test, in which a sample of your sputum is stained with a dye and checked for the presence of Aspergillus filaments
Prognosis of Aspergillus Infection
• In addition, many of these patients relapse. Over long-term therapy, the fungi may develop resistance to some antifungals.
Duration of Aspergillosis
The duration of the diseases varies depending on underlying health issues, the severity or site of infection, and type of disease.
Allergic forms, like ABPA, may require steroid and antifungal treatment for a few months, possibly longer.
Treatment and Medication Options for Aspergillosis
Observation
Oral Corticosteroids
Antifungal Medications
Surgery
Arterial Embolization
Prevention of Aspergillus Infection
The type of mold that causes most forms of aspergillosis, Aspergillus fumigatus, is common in our environment. Fortunately, everyday exposure is rarely a problem for people with healthy immune systems. When mold spores are inhaled by a healthy individual, the immune system surrounds and destroys them.
• 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.
• Test for early infection. Blood tests to detect invasive aspergillosis may help some high-risk patients.
Complications of Aspergillosis
Depending on the type of infection, aspergillosis can cause a variety of serious complications.
Aspergillomas and invasive aspergillosis can cause severe bleeding in your lungs, which can be fatal.
Research and Statistics: Who Has Aspergillosis?
• It's difficult to determine the exact number of cases because aspergillosis is not a reportable infection in the United States, since it is not contagious.
• It can potentially affect individuals of any age, and mild cases may go undiagnosed.
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