Aspergillosis - Medtick

Aspergillosis

What is it?

A fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs though can occur anywhere and affects weak immune system patients mainly.

The fungus is from :

  • Decaying leaves, trees (tree-bark chippings), crops, compost, damp grain and plants
  • Buildings: air conditioning system, heating systems, carpets, dust, insulation materials, damp insulation, fireproofing material, bedding, behind sofas and/or in the corner of damp rooms.
  • Everyday activities, such as gardening and household vacuum cleaning, can lead to the airborne release of Aspergillus spores.
  • Dust
  • Pepper and spices

  • As part of its life cycle, Aspergillus releases large quantities of conidia (asexual spores) into the air and, therefore, can be found in both outdoor and indoor environments. Inhalation of Aspergillus conidia is generally a daily event, but only a small proportion of people develop clinical disease and are at an increased risk of developing aspergillosis (e.g. people with weakened immune systems and/or damaged lungs).
  • Aspergillosis is not contagious and Aspergillus cannot be transmitted from person to person.
  • Healthy adults normally fight this infection.
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Cause

  • Fungus: Aspergillosis mould (Aspergillus fumigatus.
    • Other species that can cause human disease include Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus niger)

Symptoms

  • High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72hours?
  • Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
  • Initially a persistent dry cough which has now become a chesty cough with yellow/green and/or blood stained phlegm?
  • General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks or breathing difficulties?
  • Shallow and rapid breathing?
  • Unexplained weight loss?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Do not wait phone for an ambulance if have or develop:

This condition can be mistaken for:


This condition can lead to:

  • Mycotic Endophthalmitis
    • Blurred vision/decreased vision
    • Oedema (watery swelling) of the eyelid
    • Eye pain
    • Appearance of the eye may be hazy
    • Infection to the eye (sticky or watery discharge)

  • A H.I.V test should be offered if one has this condition.

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Aspergillosis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

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  • Medscape

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  • Pharmaceutical Journal

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  • Cleveland Clinic

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  • Drugs.com

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  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

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  • Verywell Health

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  • DR Axe

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