Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that mostly affects your lungs and occurs due to a fungus known as Aspergillus that lives indoors and outdoors. We all breathe in the air that contains the fungus. But those get infected who have a weakened immune system. Long-term medication intake of immunosuppressant’s like corticosteroids or having any health condition like AIDS or cancer weakens your immune system, hence making you susceptible to infections. Aspergillosis is a treatable condition, but you should not delay your visit to the healthcare provider. Doing that can lead to life-threatening infections.


How many types of Aspergillosis is?


Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

ABPA is a kind of aspergillosis in which the fungus attacks the lungs and represents an allergic reaction, causing cough and wheezing. It does not cause infection, instead causes allergy. People having asthma and cystic fibrosis are more prone to it.


Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis

In allergic aspergillus sinusitis, the fungus attacks the sinuses and inflames them, causing sinusitis. It shows the symptoms of nasal stuffiness, headache, and congestion.


Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus

Azoles are a class of drugs used to treat fungal infections. At times, aspergillosis becomes resistant to these medications, making it difficult to treat, this condition is called azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus.


Aspergilloma

Aspergilloma, also known as fungus ball is a condition in which the fungus resides in your lungs or sinuses, and replicates there. However, it does not spread to the other parts of the body.


Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis

When aspergillosis in the lungs, persists for more than three months, it is called chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. Also, there may be one or more fungus balls present in the lungs. If you suffer from chronic pulmonary aspergillosis consult with the best pulmonologist in Lahore through InstaCare.


Invasive aspergillosis

From the lungs, when fungus spreads to other organs of the body too, it is called invasive aspergillosis. It is a serious condition that needs prompt treatment. Invasive aspergillosis is more common in people who have a weakened immune system, either due to long-term immunosuppressant intake or any condition like AIDS or cancer.


Cutaneous aspergillosis

Cutaneous aspergillosis refers to the fungal infection of the skin. It may occur when invasive aspergillosis reaches the skin or when the fungus infects the skin through any cut or wound. It is also common in people who have a weakened immune system.


What are the symptoms of Aspergillosis?

The signs and symptoms of aspergillosis may vary according to the conditions. It may show the following symptoms.

1.      Fever

2.      Unintentional weight loss

3.      Cough

4.      Blood in sputum

5.      Shortness of breath

6.      Fatigue

7.      Blood in urine

8.      Low urine output

9.      Difficulty in talking

10.  Headache

If you are having these symptoms and you want to consult the best general physician in Islamabad call on the helpline number of InstaCare.


What are the causes of Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis can occur if you are exposed to Aspergillus fungus and have a weakened immune system. When we have a healthy and strong immune system, our body kills the fungus and gets rid of it. But if you have a weakened immune system due to any health condition like AIDS or cancer, or if you are taking any immunosuppressant medications like corticosteroids, it may become easier for the fungus to attack and invade your body. The Aspergillus fungus is present in compost, stored grain, dead leaves, decaying vegetation, and marijuana leaves.


Is there is any risk factor of Aspergillosis?

The risk factors of aspergillosis may be as follows.

1.      Weakened immune system

2.      Low white blood cell count

3.      Asthma

4.      Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

5.      Long term immunosuppressant’s intake

6.      Recent organ transplant


Conclusion

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection of your lungs. However, at times it may only cause allergy. It does not spread from person to person. Moreover, people having a weak immune system are more prone to it. For the treatment of this infection book an appointment with the best Pulmonologist in Pakistan through InstaCare.