4. Tuberculosis
Another lung disease that could lead to the formation of air cavities within your lungs is tuberculosis — often abbreviated as TB. Aspergillus can’t distinguish between air cavities formed by tuberculosis and those caused by emphysema and thus will gladly call either one home.
Much like in cases of emphysema, tuberculosis may also progress at a faster pace if aspergillomas are present and remain untreated for an extended period of time. It’s essential that these fungus balls are taken care of as soon as possible so that the underlying condition doesn’t worsen.
The easiest way to detect aspergillus in tuberculosis patients is by watching for shifts in the severity of their coughing as well as in the level of fatigue they experience. If they start coughing more violently or become more fatigued than usual overnight then it may be due to aspergillus infecting the lungs.