lung and airway disorders
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Introduction
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic lung reaction to a type of fungus (most commonlyAspergillus fumigatus) that occurs in some people with asthma or cystic fibrosis. People may cough and wheeze, and they sometimes have fever or cough up flecks of blood. Doctors use chest x-rays, blood tests, and skin tests to make a diagnosis. Drugs used in the treatment of asthma, especially corticosteroids, are usually given. Despite successful treatment, symptoms can recur periodically. If uncontrolled, chronic lung damage may develop. The fungusAspergillus fumigatusflourishes in soil, decaying vegetation, foods, dusts, and water. Certain people who inhale the fungus may become sensitized and develop a chronic allergic reaction. Other fungi, includingPenicillium,Candida,Curvularia, andHelminthosporium, can cause an identical illness. In some people, the effects of the allergic reaction combine with the effects of the fungus to damage the airways and lungs. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis differs from Overview of Pneumonia . Pneumonias are lung infections that are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, and most fungi. In allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, in contrast, the fungus does not actually invade the lung tissue and directly destroy it. The fungus colonizes the mucus in the airways of people with Other forms of Aspergillosis can occur. 