What is Aspergillus?

Aspergillus is a group of molds, commonly known as filamentous fungi. It is predominently found in the Northern hemisphere, especially during the autumn and winter seasons.

What is Aspergillosis disease?

Exposure to Aspergillus molds can cause a whole range of diseases, commonly referred to as Aspergillosis. Inflammation of the air-sacks (alveoli) and the air-ways (bronchial tubes) almost always occurs as a result of our body's allergic reaction to this fungi. ABPA usually involves eosinophilic pneumonia, associated with bronchial asthma. Depending upon an individual's overall health conditions, especially the state of one's immune system, the following diseases may result from exposure to Aspergillus molds:

• Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA),
• Aspergilloma,
• Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis,
• Aspergillus Sinusitis, and
• Invasive Aspergillosis disease.

Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis - ABPA Symptoms:

• Wheezing,
• Blood and/or brownish plugs in cough/sputum,
• Fever,

Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis - ABPA Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Aspergellosis involves the following:

• Elevated CBC Eosinophil levels,
• Elevated serum IgE antibodies count,
• Positive (wheel and flare) reactivity to Aspergillus antigen skin test,
• Presence of Aspergillus precipitating antibodies in serum,
• Chest Radiographs indicative of transient infiltrates,
• Evidence of central bronchiectasis in chest CAT scans,
• Bronchoscopy (cultures), and
• Transbronchial biopsy.

Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis - ABPA Treatment:

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is usually treated with:

• Prednisone (orally),
• Anti-fungal antibiotics, and
• Systemic glucocorticoids (dosage to be adjusted as serum IgE levels improve).

Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis - ABPA Prognosis:

Even though some patients may require the treatment to be repeated/continued for extended time, most Aspergillosis patients do improve over time. However, it is not uncommon for some patients to develop irreversible respiratory complications including Bronchial obstruction, Bronchiectasis, and in some cases, even complete respiratory failure.

How to Prevent Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis ABPA?

Prevention of Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis is possible (to some extent) if people diagnosed with asthma, cystic fibrosis, etc., are successful in limiting their exposure to Aspergillus fungus. Considering that the aspergillus fungus grows almost everywhere (decaying vegetation, bird droppings, compost, stored grain, etc.), limiting exposure to this common fungus is often quite a challenging task.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis ABPA Treatment News, and our Lung Disease Articles for the latest Allergic Broncho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis ABPA Articles.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.