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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Aspergillosis
      Category : Health Centers > Respiratory System (Lungs and Breathing)

Aspergillosis

Alternate Names : Aspergillus Infection

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


Aspergillosis refers to any infection with a fungus called Aspergillus.

What is going on in the body?

The Aspergillus fungus is everywhere in the environment. It does not usually cause disease in healthy persons. Most cases of aspergillosis involve the lungs, but other parts of the body may be affected.

Aspergillus infection causes the body to produce an inflammatory response, or the lungs to have an allergic response.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

Aspergillosis can occur in anyone, but there are three groups of people who are most likely to get the infection:

  • those with immune system problems, such as a person with AIDS or cancer
  • those with old lung damage, usually from a tuberculosis lung infection or a genetic disease called cystic fibrosis
  • those with long-standing asthma, who may be allergic to Aspergillus or have an asthma attack when exposed to Aspergillus
  • The main risks of the disease are worsening lung damage, respiratory problems, and even death.


       

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    Aspergillosis: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Adam Brochert, MD
    Reviewer: H. William Kelly, PharmD
    Date Reviewed: 08/29/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006