Aspergillosis is the name given to a group of fungal infections that result from exposure to the Aspergillus fungi. The most common of these include aspergilloma, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and many more. Because there are many different types and forms of aspergillosis, no two cases are the same. They can affect different parts of the body and result in various symptoms, but the most common feature is that aspergillosis attacks the respiratory system.
Unlike most funguses that cause infection, aspergillus is found everywhere and isn’t limited to being inside or outside. While most people who inhale Aspergillus won’t develop an infection. However, those with weakened immune systems or a pre-existing ailment are most at risk. Most cases of aspergillosis are minor as long as you seek the necessary treatment as quickly as possible.
As we said before, the signs and symptoms of aspergillosis vary from person to person. Many people will never display symptoms at all, while others develop serious ones. Regardless of what type of aspergillosis infection you acquire, the respiratory system is the most commonly affected part of the body. Here are some of the symptoms someone affected by aspergillosis can expect to experience.
Additionally, it’s possible for the infection to spread from your lungs to other parts of the body. This includes your eyes, skin, brain, sinuses, stomach, intestines, and mouth. If this happens, it will result in many additional symptoms depending on which part of the body is impacted.
Aspergillosis and related infections happen when you inhale Aspergillus fungi. It’s a condition you can only get from the source and you can’t spread it to others. Aspergillus is found everywhere in nature and in and around the home, and it’s nearly impossible to avoid completely. It’s most commonly found on leaves, trees, grain, plants, and soil, but it can easily get tracked indoors.
The good news is that Aspergillus rarely results in an infection or allergic reaction. Many people inhale it every day and never develop symptoms. Here are the people who are most at risk of contracting Aspergillosis after inhaling Aspergillus mould.
Aspergillosis is most common in people with weakened immune systems due to an illness or health issues.
White blood cells help fight off Aspergillus when you inhale them. Therefore, if you have a depleted white blood cell count, you’re more prone to aspergillosis.
People with asthma or allergies already have impaired lungs which puts them at higher risk of infection.
Aspergillosis is fairly easy to diagnose when you go to a medical professional. While the signs and symptoms are a good indicator, they aren’t exclusive to aspergillosis. Therefore, your doctor will need to administer additional tests to confirm a diagnosis, including the following.
Chest X-rays and CT scans can visually reveal the presence of Aspergillus in the body.
A blood test can reveal if you have elevated antibodies, which is a sign that you’re fighting an infection.
A respiratory secretion test is one of the best tests for diagnosing aspergillosis infection. This requires a sample of sputum from your lungs that gets tested in a laboratory for the presence of Aspergillus mould.
The good news is that most forms of aspergillosis are curable as long as treatment is received quickly. If the infection becomes invasive after a time, it’s much harder to cure. In most cases, your doctor will use corticosteroids and antifungal medications to treat aspergillosis. In serious infections, however, surgery may be necessary to physically remove the fungus. Aspergillosis can also lead to bleeding in the lungs in which case embolization is required.