Fungal infections don’t just occur in your mouth or genital area. You can also get fungal lung infection. But what does it mean to have fungus in your lungs? What is fungal lung disease and how do doctors deal with it? Read on to find out the basics.
Fungus in Your Lungs – What Is Fungal Lung Disease?
The number of people suffering from fungal lung disease in on the rise. Up until now, fungal infections were most common in certain geographical areas such as South and Central America and Africa, where the fungus is more prevalent. In addition, people with a suppressed immune system are also at a greater risk.
Normally, bacteria or viruses cause lung disease but in recent times fungi have also emerged. As more and more people are living with immune system issues, the number of people contracting fungal lung disease is on the up.
The fungus enters the body by inhalation where most people’s immune system is strong enough to fight infection. However, people with a weakened immune system may contract fungal lung disease. This includes people suffering from cancer, autoimmune disease, or any other serious condition.
In some instances, a cluster of fungi can lodge somewhere in the lungs and grow, causing an infection.
Aspergillosis – The Most Common Fungal Lung Infection
Fungus in your lungs can cause Aspergillosis, the most common fungal lung disease. As this fungus exists everywhere, you cannot avoid it. For most people, it poses no risks, however, people with suppressed immune systems can get seriously ill when suffering from this fungal lung disease.
Final Thoughts
Fungus in your lungs can be life-threatening, if you fall into the at-risk group. Symptoms include fever, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and chest pains. To treat this fungal lung infection, physicians prescribe anti-fungal medicines. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial.
