Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is a reaction that arises after inhaling a certain form of fungus. It is likely to occur among individuals suffering from chronic lung ailments such as cystic fibrosis and asthma.
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The aspergillus fumigates is considered as a fungus. It is present in various places including water, soil and dust. The condition arises upon inhaling the fungus. It can trigger a chronic reaction that results to chronic lung inflammation.
What are the indications?
The indications of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis resemble cystic fibrosis or asthma. Due to this reason, individuals who have these conditions do not often realize that there is an additional issue.
The initial indications often include:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Mild fever
- Coughing up mucus with brownish streaks
The other symptoms that might arise include coughing up large amounts of mucus and asthma attacks triggered by exercise.
How serious is the condition?
In severe cases, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis can lead to lasting changes to the central airways. They become wider which increases the likelihood for bronchiectasis to develop. It can also trigger serious breathing issues or even heart failure. Take note that these complications can arise more often among those with advanced cystic fibrosis.
Management
The treatment for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis aims on reducing the symptoms during flare-ups and preventing them from occurring again.
Management of inflammation
Corticosteroids are prescribed by the doctor such as prednisone to deal with the inflamed lungs that are available in liquid or pill form. The medication is taken for several weeks before the doctor weans the individual gradually. The medication is stopped once the symptoms settled. The side effects of these medications include increased appetite, weight gain and stomach upset.
Asthma medications are also prescribed to allow opening of the airways to be able to cough up mucus. This helps eliminate the fungus from the airways.
Dealing with the fungus
Antifungal medications might be prescribed by the doctor such as itraconazole to eliminate as much fungus in the airways as possible. This can prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
The medications are used up to 2 times in a day for up to 6 months unless the symptoms settle. The usual side effects include upset stomach, fever or rash.
Even if the symptoms already settle before the prescription runs out, do not stop using the medication without consulting a doctor first.