{"id":9387,"date":"2019-08-18T12:32:19","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T12:32:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9387"},"modified":"2021-11-09T13:47:17","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T13:47:17","slug":"15-popular-symptoms-of-aspergillus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-popular-symptoms-of-aspergillus\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Popular Symptoms of Aspergillus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Aspergillus is a genus of mold that can lead to various infections that cause adverse effects. Most illnesses that come as a result of exposure to aspergillus molds are respiratory in nature. That being said, the symptoms, as well as the level of severity, could change from one case to the next. The issue with aspergillus is that it\u2019s incredibly common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find it anywhere you go. Whether you\u2019re inside your house or taking a walk in the park, it\u2019s likely creeping up right behind you. There is some good news, however. Most strains of the aspergillus mold are actually totally harmless. That being said, there are some types that could leave you seriously ill. Today we\u2019re going to tell you about eight of the most common symptoms of aspergillus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first symptom that you should be on the lookout for is a fever<\/a>. After all, your body will always react with a fever whenever an invasive pathogen is detected. Fevers can also be common in cases where the infected patient is having an allergic reaction to the mold. These are most prominent in patients who have a pre-existing condition such as cystic fibrosis or asthma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This form of aspergillus condition is referred to as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Yeah, try saying that ten times fast. Allergic reactions can occur when you\u2019re exposed to other things as well such as pollen or nuts, so if you\u2019re a healthy person with no existing respiratory illness then you shouldn\u2019t be too concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, however, you do have pre-existing respiratory conditions and notice a feverish allergic reaction then you should consider the possibility that you\u2019ve been exposed to aspergillus and get yourself checked at the nearest hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Coughing up plugs of phlegm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These are often referred to as mucus plugs. They can be very difficult to deal with as they, well, plug up your airways. Some studies have shown that the presence of aspergillus mold in the respiratory of those who are especially vulnerable to the pathogen <\/a>could lead to an overproduction of mucus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This mucous then gathers up and clumps together forming the plugs that you may cough up. These plugs are actually quite common in children even if no illness is present. Other people who might frequently cough up mucus plugs include asthma patients and those suffering from cystic fibrosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being the case, it can be difficult to distinguish between causes if a patient with one of the aforementioned conditions coughs up mucus plugs. Doctors will have to run other tests to see if the plugs are the result of their existing condition or if it\u2019s a response to aspergillus exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Worsening asthma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned earlier, asthma<\/a> patients are at a higher risk of being adversely affected by aspergillus mold. This is due to the fact that their respiratory system isn\u2019t at peak efficiency and thus is more vulnerable to pathogens. One of the symptoms of aspergillus exposure as it enters the respiratory system is worsening asthma, but if the patient already has asthma they might not think much of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if these asthma attacks continue to worsen even after administering treatment then the patient should get themselves checked at the nearest hospital to see if the issue is being caused by aspergillus. The best way to combat aspergillus and the adverse effects that come with it is by diagnosing the problem early on than treating it promptly. Furthermore, if the patient doesn\u2019t have asthma but experiences these attacks then the likelihood of aspergillus exposure is high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Hemoptysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemoptysis<\/a>, sounds complicated, right? Well, it\u2019s actually just a fancy word used by doctors to describe the coughing up of blood. Not everyone who is exposed to aspergillus will experience this symptom as it is dependent on the pre-existence of specific conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some lung conditions \u2014 all chronic \u2014 like tuberculosis, emphysema, advanced sarcoidosis, and a few others that could lead to the formation of air cavities with the patient\u2019s lungs. When anyone with cavities in their lungs becomes infected by the aspergillus mold, fungus fibers could get to the cavities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once there, they will begin to grow in a tangled form into large masses. These masses are medically referred to as aspergillomas but more colloquially known as fungus balls. Some aspergillomas are entirely asymptomatic while others only lead to a mild cough. However, if they remain untreated for a long period of time then they could hasten the progression of the pre-existing lung condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Unintentional weight loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unintentional weight loss<\/a> may seem like a relatively out-of-place symptom when we\u2019re discussing mold. That being said, this is actually due to the aspergillomas that we described above. When the fungus balls start to gather up inside the air cavities of the patient\u2019s lungs a wide variety of symptoms will manifest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of these includes rapid weight loss. It\u2019s worth noting that some pulmonary conditions such as tuberculosis already cause weight loss, but the presence of the aspergillus fungus balls will make this process happen far faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have tuberculosis or other lung conditions that lead to the loss of weight but notice a steep increase in the speed then you should get yourself checked at the nearest hospital so you can get yourself checked and verify whether or not you\u2019ve been exposed to aspergillus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Much like weight loss, fatigue<\/a> is a common symptom of tuberculosis, emphysema, and a wide range of lung conditions. However, when a patient with one of the aforementioned conditions becomes infected with the aspergillus mold, the fatigue that they experience will be amplified. The change is often acute making it easier to spot, though some patients mistake it for the natural progression of their existing disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, most cases of tuberculosis and emphysema progress at a steady rate rather than an accelerating one. Patients with chronic lung conditions have often accepted fatigue as a fact of life, but if the weakness suddenly intensifies then they should be tested for aspergillus exposure. If fungus balls are present in the air cavities of their lungs then it\u2019s imperative that they\u2019re removed immediately before they worsen the condition of the patient and hasten the progression of their existing pulmonary diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Skin lesions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most deadly form of aspergillosis <\/a>is known as invasive aspergillosis. This form of infection occurs when the pathogen spreads from the lungs out to other organs like the skin, kidneys, heart, and brain at a rapid pace. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis will only occur in those who are immunocompromised due to external causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common causes of this crippled state of their immune system include bone marrow transplants, chemotherapy to treat cancer, and HIV\/AIDS. This type of aspergillus infection is very deadly and can certainly prove fatal if the patient doesn\u2019t receive proper treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why operating rooms are often tested for aspergillus mold before any bone marrow transplants take place to ensure that the patient doesn\u2019t incur a new complication if the pathogen makes its way into their body. If the infection reaches the skin then lesions will begin to form around the body<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Eye and sinus symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, while aspergillus primarily targets the respiratory system of vulnerable hosts, it can actually spread to a variety of other places. Beyond the organs and brain, it can also infect your eye and sinuses. If the aspergillus mold gets into your sinuses <\/a>then you\u2019ll notice a sudden stuffy nose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, this is also accompanied by drainage that could contain varying amounts of blood. If aspergillus is in the sinuses then you might also notice a long-lasting headache and facial pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know that you have existing respiratory illnesses that leave you vulnerable to aspergillus and begin to notice these symptoms then admitting yourself to a hospital for a thorough checkup would be wise. Who knows, it might turn out to be nothing, but if it is, in fact, aspergillus causing the problem then at least you can treat it early.
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9. Worsening of Underlying Respiratory Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are dozens of respiratory ailments and diseases affecting human beings. The Aspergillus mold can exacerbate the effects of all of them. People with Aspergillus also find they suffer from other conditions like bronchitis more than other people, especially if they smoke cigarettes. Aspergillus can make it harder to recover from respiratory illness, extending the effects of the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aspergillus fungi love growing in the dark, damp conditions inside your lungs, causing “plugs” of phlegm<\/a> as it chokes up your airways. People with Aspergillus who catch bronchitis may find they take twice as long to recover from the disease’s effects. In some cases, the patient can end up coughing up brown phlegm that doesn’t seem to go away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with Aspergillus infections need a diagnosis to find out which type of the mod is infecting their lungs., Typically, a mild Aspergillus infection will subside with the use of anti-fungal medications. However, invasive Aspergillus might require emergency surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Wheezing and Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with an Aspergillus infection often notice that they develop shortness of breath and find themselves wheezing. The blockages in the lungs <\/a>caused by the fungi lead to a wheezing and crackling sound. The sound comes from the affected person’s chest when they breathe, and it can sound frightening. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The affected individual notices that they can dislodge the plugs if they cough repeatedly. However, the wheezing and choking sound may continue for months after you notice bronchitis or other respiratory conditions fade away. People with Aspergillus infection may also find they feel short of breath when exerting themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The patient feels fine when they are at rest, but jogging, running, or walking up a flight of stairs may leave them feeling winded when they would normally be fine. The affected individual may need to pause for a moment to catch their breath. This symptom is a sign of deep Aspergillus infection, and you should seek a diagnosis from your doctor ASAP. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fever is one of the common signs of Aspergillus infection. When the body senses the incoming pathogen, the immune system<\/a> springs into action. One of the first things the body does to dissuade the spread is to turn up your body heat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To create a fever, your hypothalamus signals for the immune system to start making inflammatory pyrogen proteins. These pyrogens attach to receptors in the lower back, and they signal the nervous system to increase its basal temperature. This action signals the start of a fever. Most doctors don’t like to break a fever, as it’s the body’s natural defense mechanism attempting to kill the pathogen. However, when a fever gets over 101F, the doctor will try to break the fever rather than risk other complications from the fever in the patient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the body starts turning up the basal temperature, it takes a while for your physiology to reach the new temperature set point. As a result, you begin to experience chills., When chills occur, you feel cold, even if you have the heather on and blankets around you. The fever returns as you reach the new basal temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Chest or Joint Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People dealing with aspergillus infection may also notice they start to develop symptoms of chest and joint pain. As the immune system recognizes the invading pathogen, it sends out antibodies <\/a>to fight off the infection. These antibodies penetrate your tissues and joints, searching for pathogens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the search, the antibodies create minor amounts of inflammation in the affected individuals’ muscular and skeletal systems. As a result, you start to notice the onset of muscle and joint aches. Some individuals with advanced Aspergillus infection may see they experience pain in the chest, especially when they breathe deeply. The patient may notice sharp pain or deep pain in the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both are signs of developing an Aspergillus infection, and you need to visit your doctor for testing and diagnosis. Chest pain could be a sign of Aspergillosis in the affected individual, and the development of an Aspergilloma, requiring the need for surgery to remove the infectious material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with any other disease or infection, there are a set of risk factors<\/a> that make some people more predisposed to developing Aspergillosis than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find yourself dealing with any of the signs of the condition mentioned in this review and are in a high-risk group, contact your doctor for an appointment. During the consultation, your doctor will assess your state based on the following risk factors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weak Immune Function \u2013 People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing Aspergillosis. The immune system doesn’t have the strength to fight off the infection, resulting in Aspergillosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low White Blood Cell Count \u2013 People dealing with chemotherapy treatment find they have a weakened immune system and low levels of white blood cells. White blood cells form the backbone of the immune response, and with fewer of them around, it makes sense that Aspergillosis can spread within the affected individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lung Cavity \u2013 People with cavities in the lungs are at risk of developing the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extended Corticosteroid Use \u2013 Long-term use of these medications results in a weakening of the immune system and the potential for Aspergillosis development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Aspergillus infections occur with different outcomes in people. Some individuals may receive a light infection, and they experienced mild symptoms. Typically, the body can clear this infection by itself if the person has a strong immune system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, infection with the fungi causing invasive Aspergillosis can be potentially deadly. The affected individual may develop Aspergilloma, a life-threatening condition that spreads to the heart and other body areas, like the kidneys<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aspergillomas and invasive Aspergillosis might cause severe bleeding in the lungs that are sometimes fatal if they don’t receive the right care. In many cases, surgeons need to operate on the patient to remove the Aspergilloma and restore the lungs’ health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the most dangerous complication of the disease is the development of systemic infection. With this complication, the affected individual develops an infection in other areas of the body, including the brain and heart. Speak to your doctor about the potential for complications with your condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Preventative Measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone on planet earth will encounter mold at some stage of their life, some more than others. If you’re living in a home with a mold outbreak<\/a>, the spores get into the air, and you breathe them into your lungs. As a result, you might start to develop the signs of Aspergillosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s almost impossible to avoid exposure to mold and Aspergillus. However, if you’re recently recovering from respiratory disease or going through chemotherapy treatment, avoid visiting areas where mold could be a problem. Catching an infection while your immune system is in a depleted state could result in severe disease complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid visiting building sites, grain silos, or any area where mold might be present. Your doctor may advise you to wear a respirator mask when venturing outdoors if you have a weak immune system. The mask filters the mold spores out of the air. It ensures you don’t breathe in any spores, resulting in the onset of Aspergillosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n

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