FUNGAL PNEUMONIA
Fungal pneumonia is an infection of the lungs by fungi. It can be caused by either endemic or opportunistic fungi or a combination of both. Case mortality in fungal pneumonias can be as high as 90% in immunocompromised patients, though immunocompetent patients generally respond well to anti-fungal therapy.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Fungal pneumonia can present similarly to that of the common flu or other common illnesses. Symptoms often include fever, cough, headaches, rashes, muscle aches, and/or joint pain. This can lead to treatment being delayed or unsought altogether.
CUASES OF FUNGAL PNEUMONIA
In a very small portion of people, fungal pneumonia can lead to chronic pneumonia, fungemia (presence of fungi in the blood), meningitis (infection of the meninges of the brain or spine), or even death. However, this is extremely rare and the vast majority of cases go untreated, unreported, or are asymptomatic (e.g. the infected person is not aware they are or were infected).
Specific instances of fungal infections that can manifest with pulmonary involvement include:
Coccidioidomycosis, which begins with an often self-limited respiratory infection (also called “Valley fever” or “San Joaquin fever”)
Pneumocystis pneumonia, which typically occurs in immunocompromised people, especially AIDS
Sporotrichosis — primarily a skin disease, but can involve the lungs as well
Cryptococcus species can sometimes invade the lungs
Aspergillosis, resulting in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
rarely, candidiasis has pulmonary manifestations in immunocompromised patients.
Histoplasmosis or Spelunker’s lung.
TREATMENTS
Fungal pneumonia can be treated with antifungal drugs ( Fluconazole ) and sometimes by surgical debridement.
Kindly visit hospital immediately when you start experiencing things like this. Thanks.
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