<p id="page-title">Aspergillosis is an infection or&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000812.htm" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: 14px;">allergic response</a><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;due to the&nbsp;</span><em style="font-size: 14px;">Aspergillus</em><span style="font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;fungus.</span></p>

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<h2><a id="1" name="1">Causes</a></h2>

<p>Aspergillosis is caused by a fungus called&nbsp;<em>Aspergillus</em>. The fungus is often found growing on dead leaves, stored grain, compost piles, or in other decaying vegetation. It can also be found on marijuana leaves.</p>

<p>Although most people are often exposed to&nbsp;<em>Aspergillus</em>, infections caused by the fungus rarely occur in people who have a healthy immune system.</p>

<p>There are several forms of aspergillosis:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Allergic pulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to the fungus. This infection usually develops in people who already have lung problems such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000127.htm">Aspergilloma</a>&nbsp;is a growth (fungus ball) that develops in an area of past lung disease or lung scarring such as&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000077.htm">tuberculosis</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000121.htm">lung abscess</a>.</li>
	<li>Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a serious infection with pneumonia. It can spread to other parts of the body. This infection occurs most often in people with a weakened immune system. This can be from cancer, AIDS, leukemia, an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or other conditions or drugs that lower the number or function of white blood cells or weaken the immune system.</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="2" name="2">Symptoms</a></h2>

<p>Symptoms depend on the type of infection.</p>

<p>Symptoms of allergic pulmonary aspergillosis may include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Cough</li>
	<li>Coughing up blood or brownish mucus plugs</li>
	<li>Fever</li>
	<li>General ill feeling (malaise)</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003070.htm">Wheezing</a></li>
	<li>Weight loss</li>
</ul>

<p>Other symptoms depend on the part of the body affected, and may include:</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003180.htm">Bone pain</a></li>
	<li>Chest pain</li>
	<li>Chills</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003147.htm">Decreased urine output</a></li>
	<li>Headaches</li>
	<li>Increased phlegm production, which may be bloody</li>
	<li>Shortness of breath</li>
	<li>Skin sores (lesions)</li>
	<li>Vision problems</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="3" name="3">Exams and Tests</a></h2>

<p>Tests to diagnose&nbsp;<em>Aspergillus</em>&nbsp;infection include:</p>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003532.htm">Aspergillus</a>&nbsp;antibody test</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003804.htm">Chest x-ray</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003642.htm">Complete blood count</a></li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003330.htm">CT scan</a></li>
	<li>Galactomannan (a molecule from the fungus that is sometimes found in the blood)</li>
	<li>Immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood level</li>
	<li>Lung function tests</li>
	<li>Sputum stain and culture for&nbsp;<em>Aspergillus</em></li>
	<li>Tissue&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003416.htm">biopsy</a></li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="4" name="4">Treatment</a></h2>

<p>A fungus ball is usually not treated with antifungal medicines unless there is bleeding into the lung tissue. In such a case, surgery and medicines are needed.</p>

<p>Invasive aspergillosis is treated with several weeks of an antifungal medicine. It can be given by mouth or IV (into a vein).&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001098.htm">Endocarditis</a>&nbsp;caused by&nbsp;<em>Aspergillus</em>&nbsp;is treated by surgically removing the infected heart valves. Long-term antifungal drugs are also needed.</p>

<p>Allergic aspergillosis is treated with drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive drugs), such as prednisone.</p>

<h2><a id="5" name="5">Outlook (Prognosis)</a></h2>

<p>With treatment, people with allergic aspergillosis usually get better over time. It is common for the disease to come back (relapse) and need repeat treatment.</p>

<p>If invasive aspergillosis does not get better with drug treatment, it eventually leads to death. The outlook for invasive aspergillosis also depends on the person&#39;s underlying disease and immune system health.</p>

<h2><a id="6" name="6">Possible Complications</a></h2>

<p>Health problems from the disease or treatment include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Amphotericin B can cause kidney damage and unpleasant side effects such as fever and chills</li>
	<li>Bronchiectasis (permanent scarring and enlargement of the small sacs in the lungs)</li>
	<li>Invasive lung disease can cause massive bleeding from the lung</li>
	<li>Mucus plugs in the airways</li>
	<li>Permanent airway blockage</li>
	<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000092.htm">Respiratory failure</a>&middot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2><a id="7" name="7">When to Contact a Medical Professional</a></h2>

<p>Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of aspergillosis or if you have a weakened immune system and develop a fever.</p>

<h2><a id="8" name="8">Prevention</a></h2>

<p>Precautions should be taken when using medicines that suppress the immune system. Preventing&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000594.htm">HIV/AIDS</a>&nbsp;also prevents certain diseases, including aspergillosis, that are associated with a damaged or weakened immune system.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Source:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001326.htm">https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001326.htm</a></p>
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