Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Aspergillosis - allergic bronchopulmonary; Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis; ABPADefinition Return to top
Pulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to a fungus called aspergillus, which causes inflammation of the airways and air sacs of the lungs.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The 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 such as a pneumonia or fungus ball (aspergilloma) are rare.
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 Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
Allergic aspergillosis is treated with oral prednisone. The anti-fungal antibiotic, itraconazole, can also be helpful. People with asthma should also continue their usual inhaler treatments.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The response to therapy is usually good, with improvement over time. Relapses requiring repeat treatment are common.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop.Prevention Return to top
People with predisposing factors (asthma, cystic fibrosis, etc.) should try to avoid environments where this fungus is found if possible. Update Date: 5/12/2004 Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |