We all breathe every day. But have you ever thought about how many things are in the air we breathe that we can't see? Similarly, today we are talking about a type of fungus that is around us, in the soil, among dry leaf litter, but usually doesn't bother us. We breathe this fungus every day, but our body's immune system easily controls it. However, for some people, especially those with weak immune systems, this fungus can be a bit more serious. This is what we medically call Aspergillosis.
Simply put, what is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is a general name for several infections caused by the fungus Aspergillus. This fungus is common in our environment, especially outdoors, in places like dry leaf litter, tree bark, soil, and compost. It can also sometimes be found indoors in damp areas.
Imagine, we breathe in thousands of spores of this fungus every day. But our body's defense system, the immune system, is so strong that it doesn't allow this fungus to cause disease in our bodies. However, some people's bodies can't fight this fungus. That's when the problems start. This fungus can cause allergies, chronic lung diseases, or even invasive diseases that spread to major organs like the brain, kidneys, and lungs.
The important thing is that what some people think of as "black mold" and this fungus called Aspergillus are two different things. Black mold is a different type of fungus. But both are types of fungi that can make some people sick.
Who is most at risk of developing this disease?
Not everyone gets aspergillosis. But some people are more likely to get it. The risk varies depending on the type of disease. Let's take a look at who is most at risk.
| Type of aspergillosis | Those who can be most affected |
|---|---|
| Allergic Aspergillosis | People who already have respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis. |
| Chronic Aspergillosis | People with long-term lung diseases such as COPD, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis. |
| Invasive Aspergillosis | People with very weak immune systems. For example:
|
How does this fungus enter our bodies?
Simply put, when we breathe, Aspergillus spores in the air go through our nose and into our lungs. That's where an allergic reaction or infection begins. If your immune system is weak, this fungus can also travel from there to other parts of the body. Also, this fungus can enter the body even through a wound in the skin.
Remember, aspergillosis is not a contagious disease. This means that it cannot be spread from one person to another.
What are the symptoms of aspergillosis?
The symptoms of this disease vary depending on the type you have and the location of the infection. The most common symptoms are those related to the lungs.
- Cough: Sometimes a little blood may come out with the phlegm.
- Difficulty breathing: You may feel short of breath even with a little exertion.
- Wheezing: This is common among asthma patients.
- Chest pain: Feeling of tightness or pain in the chest when breathing.
- Fever: A common sign of an infection in the body.
People with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis may also experience symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss .
If the infection spreads to other parts of the body, other symptoms may appear related to that organ.
How do you accurately diagnose this disease?
Because the symptoms of aspergillosis are similar to those of many other diseases, diagnosing the disease can be a bit tricky. Your doctor will take a careful look at your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. They may also run some tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests: A chest X-ray or CT scan can look for fungal balls or other signs of infection in the lungs.
- Allergy tests: Blood or skin tests can determine whether you have allergic aspergillosis.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue from the lungs or infected area is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of the fungus.
- Culture: A sample of your sputum, blood, or other body fluid is taken and tested in the laboratory to see if the Aspergillus fungus grows there.
- Blood tests: These tests help to quickly identify the invasive type, especially in people with very weak immune systems.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment depends on the type of aspergillosis you have, the severity of the disease, and your overall health. There are three main treatment options.
1. Antifungal medications
Most types of aspergillosis are treated with these medications. It is important to take the medications your doctor prescribes (e.g., Voriconazole, Itraconazole) for the full duration of the medication. Sometimes, if one medication doesn't work, your doctor may prescribe another medication.
2. Surgery
If there is a single fungal mass (aspergilloma) that forms inside the lungs, surgical removal of the mass can often completely cure the disease. In some cases of severe infection, surgery may also be necessary.
3. Corticosteroids
These are mainly used for allergic type aspergillosis (ABPA). These drugs work by controlling excessive inflammation in the body. They come in various forms such as tablets, inhalers, and nasal sprays.
When should you see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately?
If you belong to one of the risk groups mentioned above (e.g., organ transplant recipient, cancer treatment recipient, diabetic), be sure to talk to your doctor about how to prevent and detect fungal infections early.
Also, if you know that your immunity is weak and you develop symptoms of an infection, seek medical advice without delay. If you have any of the following severe symptoms, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital immediately.
| Warning signs that require immediate attention | |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ High fever | Having a fever of more than 40 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit). |
| 😮💨 Severe shortness of breath | Difficulty breathing. |
| 🩸 Coughing up blood | Bleeding mixed with mucus or heavy bleeding. |
| 🧠 Confusion | Changes in memory, dementia. |
| ⚫ Skin darkening | Blackening of the skin, tissues, or mucus from the nose. |
| 🔵 Blue color (Cyanosis) | Blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails (this is a dangerous sign of lack of oxygen in the blood). |
Take-Home Message
- Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus that is commonly found in our environment.
- This fungus does not cause much harm to healthy people with good immunity.
- People with weakened immune systems, those with lung diseases like asthma, and those with diseases like diabetes are at higher risk.
- Common symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing are the main symptoms. Therefore, if you are in a risk group, be aware of these symptoms.
- Treatment methods vary depending on the type of disease. Surgery, antifungal medications, and steroid medications are the main ones.
- If you belong to a risk group and have severe symptoms, seek medical advice without delay.
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