Aspergillus is a type of fungus found in many outdoor environments all over the world. Inhaling these fungal spores will not always lead to illness, but it can cause a health condition called aspergillosis in some people.
Aspergillosis is linked to many health effects, including lung problems, the development of fungal growths called aspergillomas, and damage to other areas of the body. To manage these effects, doctors will use the following treatments to alleviate symptoms and avoid more serious complications.
Some cases of aspergillosis only require monitoring, but invasive forms are far more serious. Invasive aspergillosis occurs when the infection spreads from the lungs to other areas of the body, such as the kidneys and heart. In this case, doctors use antifungal medications to treat the condition and prevent serious, sometimes life-threatening, effects.
People with invasive aspergillosis often receive a medication called voriconazole, which works by reducing the rate at which the fungus grows inside the body. This also has a positive impact on the symptoms of this infection. Doctors can also administer amphotericin B, which is an injectable antifungal drug used when other treatments are not effective.
People with certain medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis and asthma, are at risk of experiencing an allergic reaction when exposed to the type of fungus associated with aspergillosis. Using oral corticosteroids can stop these conditions from getting worse to support proper lung function. Corticosteroids can be administered alongside antifungal drugs for the greatest therapeutic effect.
People with an existing chronic lung condition have a risk of developing aspergilloma, which can grow in cavities within the lungs. These fungal growths are less responsive to medication, so patients may require surgery to remove the mass.
Aspergillomas can also cause bleeding in the lungs, but a procedure called embolization can help. With embolization, medical staff use a catheter to inject a material to stem the flow of blood.