|
Fungal pneumonia |
Details
|
Fungal pneumonia are caused by 3 types of fungi: Coccidioides immitis, which result in coccidioidomycosis; blastomyces dermatidis, which results in blastomycosis and histoplasma capsulatum, which results in histoplasmosis. Coccidioidomycosis occurs in semiarid climate, usually in Central America, South America, and Southwestern U.S. After inhalation, the fungus can produce no symptoms, or it can result in either chronic or acute pneumonia. Sometimes, the infection spreads to the bones, skin, meninges, or joints. Such complications of this type of fungal pneumonia is more common in males, especially blacks and Filipinos, as well as individuals with AIDS and other disorders of the immune system. A doctor diagnoses coccidioidomycosis (type of fungal pneumonia) by identifying the fungi in a sputum sample or samples obtained from another infected area or by doing blood tests that reveal specific antibodies. Treatment usually consists of prescribing antifungal medications, such as Amphotericin B or Fluconazole. Blastomycosis is another type of fungal pneumonia usually occurring around the Great Lakes, Midwestern, South Central, and South-Eastern U.S. After getting inhaled, the fungus results in infections, especially in the lungs, and infections usually show no symptoms. Some individuals have flu-like symptoms. The infection can spread to other areas of the body, mostly prostate gland, joints, bones, and skin. A doctor diagnoses blastomycosis – type of fungal pneumonia by detecting the fungus in the sputum. Treatment usually consists of prescribing antifungal medications including Amphotericin B or Itraconazole. Histoplasmosis – the form of fungal pneumonia may occur around the world, but is most likely to appear in river valley, in tropical and temperate climates. In the United States, it happens frequently in OHIO and Mississippi River Valleys and in the Valley of the East. About 80% of individuals, living in these places have been exposed to fungus. After the person became inhaled, the fungus shows no symptoms. Many people learn about being exposed only after they have had a skin test performed on them. Other individuals can have symptoms of fever, cough, chest pain, and muscle pain. The infections can result in acute pneumonias. In rare cases the infection may spread to other parts of the body such as bone marrow, GI, spleen, and liver. This disseminated type of fungal pneumonia may likely occur in patients with AIDS and other disorders of the immune system. A doctor diagnoses this type of fungal pneumonia by detecting the fungus in a sputum sample or by doing a blood test that may show specific antibodies. Treatment usually involves the prescription of an antifungal medication, such as Amphotericin B or Itraconazole.
|
| Category |
Disease Conditions > F
|
| Related Searches |
fungal infection of lung, new powerful anti fungal probiotic |
| Date Submitted |
07-Nov-2005
|
|
