Causes and risk factors
Aspergillosis is caused due to fungus Aspergillus. The spores of the fungus are infective. Normally these spores are present in the air and an individual keeps on inhaling these spores however not all people suffer from the illness. People with weak immunity or those suffering from any lung infection or suffering from allergy are more prone. High number of spores is found near air conditioning units, composting areas, damp houses or flooded areas. These spores causes formation of a ball of fibers in the lungs. Blood clots may form and there occurs accumulation of white blood cells in the lungs.
Clinical presentation:
The infection can occur in several form-pulmonary, Invasive and Allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis. In allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis people who have a history of asthma or cystic fibrosis develop a chronic allergic reaction and suffer from complaints of fever, cough and wheezes. The infection affecting the lungs can aggravate and spread to other parts of the body like the brain, blood stream, heart, liver etc. Such type of aspregillosis is called as invasive one. Whereas in pulmonary form the infection is formed in various cavities of the lungs .The infection can occur in the ear canal or sinuses but does not spread to other parts of the body. In most of the cases the patient is asymptomatic. While others may present with fever, pain in chest, difficulty in breathing, cough and wheezes. The cough is productive or the patient might even cough out blood. Infection in the ear can cause pain in ear with flow of discharges from ear, while the affection of the sinuses causes congestion along with pain and discharges. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body like kidney, liver, brain etc. In severe forms it can lead to shock and delirium.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the doctor. Cultures of the discharges and chest X-ray is diagnostic. Routine blood test and serological test for IgE can also be advised. Along with this testing of blood for aspergillus antibodies can help is coming at accurate diagnosis. In severe cases certain other investigations can also be recommended.
Treatment:
Usually a single area of infection is easy to treat and can be manages by antifungal medications. Antifungal eardrops are prescribed in cases of infection of the ear canal. In cases where the infection is widespread can lead to complications, in such cases the person is hospitalized and newer antifungal medications along with other medicines are started. Formation of blood clots of ball of fiber in lungs or in blood vessels may require surgical intervention.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
