Aspergillosis

Molds are everywhere around us, like the aspergillus mold that causes aspergillosis, which could lead to serious complications.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection that occurs due to the aspergillus mold, which is a type of fungus.

Causes and risk factors of aspergillosis

• Aspergillus molds are found everywhere, like in the soil, compost, and decaying leaves, and it’s almost impossible to avoid them. However, aspergillosis isn’t contagious from person to person.
• The risk of having aspergillosis increases due to the following factors: a weakened immune system, low white blood cell level, lung cavities, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Symptoms of aspergillosis

Symptoms of aspergillosis differ depending on the type:

• An allergic reaction.
• Aspergilloma, which affects people who have lung cavities due to other conditions and causes bloody cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, unintentional weight loss, and extreme tiredness.
• Invasive aspergillosis, which is the most severe type, is when the infection spreads to the brain, heart, kidneys, or skin, and it only affects people with a weak immune system. Symptoms might include bloody cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, chills, headache, eye symptoms, joint pain, and skin lesions.
• In severe cases, aspergillosis might cause bleeding in the lungs or systemic infection, which may be fatal.

Diagnosis of aspergillosis

• Imaging tests.
• Blood tests.
• Biopsy.

Treatment of aspergillosis

• Treating aspergillosis depends on the type, and it includes corticosteroids, antifungal medications, and surgery to remove the fungal mass.