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Pulmonary aspergillosis - allergic bronchopulmonary typeDefinitionPulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to a fungus called aspergillus, which causes inflammation of the airways and air sacs of the lungs. Alternative NamesAspergillosis - allergic bronchopulmonary; Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; ABPACausesThe aspergillus fungus is common. It can grow on dead leaves, stored grain, bird droppings, compost stacks and other decaying vegetation. Although most people are frequently exposed to aspergillus, infections caused by it are rare in people with a normal immune system. These rare infections include pneumonia and fungus ball (aspergilloma). Some people, however, have an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to this fungus, which is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). It is characterized by inflammation of the airways (bronchi) or air sacs (alveoli). The disease may mimic asthma or pneumonia, and, in fact, most patients with ABPA have asthma as well. Patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis are at highest risk for allergic aspergillosis. Symptoms
Exams and Tests
TreatmentAllergic aspergillosis is treated with steroids such as prednisone. The anti-fungal antibiotic itraconazole can also be helpful. People with asthma should also continue their usual treatments. Outlook (Prognosis)People usually get better with treatment, over time. Relapses requiring repeat treatment are common. Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalCall your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. Call your health care provider if breathing becomes more difficult. Severe breathing difficulty is an emergency. PreventionPeople at higher risk (those with asthma, cystic fibrosis, etc.) should try to avoid environments where this fungus is found. ReferencesWalsh TJ, Anaissie EJ, Denning DW, et al. Treatment of aspergillosis: clincial practice guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2008;46(3):327-60.
Review Date:
5/19/2008 Reviewed By: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, WA; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital.. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
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