|
|
|
AspergillosisAspergillosis is an infection, growth, or allergic response caused by the Aspergillus fungus. The most common forms are allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis , pulmonary aspergilloma and invasive aspergillosis. Aspergillus is very common and is frequently found in compost heaps, air vents, and airborne dust. When Aspergillus does cause disease, however, it usually occurs in those individuals with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised) or who have a history of respiratory ailments. Aspergillosis usually affects open spaces in the body, such as cavities that have formed in the lungs from preexisting lung diseases. In the sinuses and lungs, aspergillosis shows up as a ball (aspergilloma) composed of a tangled mass of fungus fibers, blood clots, and white blood cells. Furthermore, many patients with the more severe forms of aspergillosis tend to have multiple, complex health problems, such as AIDS or a blood disorder like leukemia, which can further complicate diagnosis and treatment. Our advanced ability to perform tissue and organ transplants has also increased the number of people vulnerable to fungal infections. It causes a pneumonia-like infection that, as well as affecting the lungs can spread to other areas of the body such as the eyes, heart , kidneys and brain . Aspergillosis is an infection that mostly affects your lungs or sinuses. It is a common fungus that grows on soil, plant debris and rotting vegetation in the autumn and winter. Aspergillosis may play a role in allergy, but is best known for causing serious pulmonary infections in immunocompromised patients. Most people are either naturally immune to the spores of Aspergillus Fumigatus, or have a sufficiently healthy immune system to fight the infection. The fungal spores trigger an asthma-like allergic reaction, reducing the efficiency of the air passages of lungs (bronchioles). It causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. You are most at risk from ABPA if you are aged 20-40 and have asthma. People who smoke marijuana, which can contain Aspergillus spores, may be at an increased risk of developing aspergillosis. Diagnosis and treatment are difficult. A doctor may suspect invasive pulmonary aspergillosis based on a chest X-ray or CT scan or by a sputum stain and culture. A diagnosis may be confirmed by a biopsy of infected tissue. Treatment usually includes antifungal medications. Causes of AspergillosisThe common Causes of Aspergillosis :
Symptoms of AspergillosisSome Symptoms of Aspergillosis :
Treatment of Aspergillosis
|
|
|
Home | Links 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | |
Disclaimer : All information on diseases-conditions.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.
