ALLERGIC BRONCHOPULMONARY ASPERGILLOSIS

Aspergillosis is an allergic reaction, infection, or fungal growth in the lungs, caused by the aspergillus fungus, which grows on decaying plant matter. A person with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) has an allergic reaction that produces symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with asthma and other pre-existing lung conditions are at higher risk for contracting ABPA, as are people with weakened immune systems. If left untreated, ABPA can lead to the growth of a “fungus ball” inside the lungs called aspergilloma. Aspergilloma has the same symptoms as ABPA and can additionally cause a patient to cough up blood. Treatments for both aspergilloma and ABPA include immune suppression drugs and antifungal medications.

P.S. Allergic aspergillosis treatments are usually successful, but the condition can return if a person is repeatedly exposed to the aspergillosis fungus.

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