How do I know if I have Aspergillosis?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Aspergillosis. People who have experience in Aspergillosis offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

How to Determine if You Have Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus fungus. It can affect various parts of the body, including the lungs, sinuses, and other organs. If you suspect you may have Aspergillosis, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. However, there are certain signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of this condition.

Respiratory Symptoms

Aspergillosis primarily affects the respiratory system, so respiratory symptoms are often the most prominent. These may include:

Cough: A persistent cough that may produce blood or mucus.

Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, especially during physical activity.

Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing.

Chest pain: Discomfort or tightness in the chest.

Sinus Symptoms

If Aspergillosis affects the sinuses, you may experience:

Nasal congestion: Blockage or stuffiness in the nose.

Runny nose: Excessive nasal discharge.

Facial pain: Pain or pressure in the face, particularly around the sinuses.

Headaches: Recurrent or persistent headaches.

Other Symptoms

Depending on the type and severity of Aspergillosis, additional symptoms may arise:

Fever: A low-grade or high-grade fever.

Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy.

Weight loss: Unintentional weight loss.

Chest discomfort: Pain or tightness in the chest.

Joint pain: Aching or stiffness in the joints.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other respiratory or sinus conditions. Therefore, a proper medical evaluation is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may perform various tests, such as imaging scans, blood tests, or a biopsy, to confirm the presence of Aspergillosis.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Diseasemaps

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Michele 2656

Don’t waste time with your local GP, as many are unfamiliar with the condition. Insist on a referral to a lung specialist. Get a chest X Ray to take with you to the first appointment. And don’t be afraid to have a broncoscophy to confirm a diagnosis.

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Peta 3110

I never suspected I had Aspergillosis as I had never heard of it. I had a chest infection, had a chest X ray and referred to a lung specialist who did a biopsy and the disease was diagnosed I was then referred to a mycologist. I do not wish to imply that if you have a chest infection you should assume aspergillosis, this is just path it took with me.

Posted Oct 18, 2017 by Vaughan 2500

Go to a chest doctor

Do the following tests

Chest ct scan
Ige skin test
Allergy skin test
Ige total blood test

Posted Nov 7, 2017 by Louby 1400

constant coughing with old or fresh blood, wheezing, tiredness, some chest pain, re occuring chest infections or other chest problems
Therefore:
Ask for the relevant blood test I.e
IGE and IGC levels. send a sputum sample to see if it will grow, have a ct scan

Posted Nov 9, 2017 by Sam 2500

Continued infections brittle like asthma. Asthma drugs not clearing up wheeze chest infections or nasal infections which is more common. Go to the doctor and request consultation at hospital and ask if they operate a difficult asthma surgery. Which will do lots of tests bolds x rays etc and see a ENT specialist within this clinic.

Posted Aug 14, 2018 by StuartMcKelvie 4050

For me it was that I kept getting pneumonia and plurisy and finally they decided I needed a lung biopsy. You should see a pulmonary specialist!

Posted Aug 8, 2019 by Patricia Fletcher 2500

In the acute hospital context, your doctors will carry out the appropriate tests

If you have asthma. TB, COPD, bronchiectasis or other respiratory disease and the symptoms are gradually worsening despite taking antibiotics then it is time to consider that you may have aspergillosis.

Patients often report increased coughing, breathlessness and fatigue, a few will cough up blood.

Posted Oct 16, 2019 by GAtherton 3100

diagnosis by doctor following medical investigations e.g. bloods, sputum, ct scan, bronchiostomy

Posted Oct 17, 2019 by Linda Galbraith 2500

If you suspect you have an unusual chest infection, coughing up any signs of blood, or any brownish sputum, ask your doctor for a referral to a lung/breathing specialist.
You will need a pathology test conducted on your sputum that grows a culture to determine if fungus is present.
A CT scan can also show fungal invasion.
A blood test can confirm whether it is allergic or invasive.
If a sinus infection produces pain and throbbing and blood, you also should ask for a mucus test to determine if fungus is present

Posted Oct 19, 2019 by Pam Mars 2500

If you have shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or congestion that doesn't improve, see a pulmonary specialist.

Posted Feb 15, 2020 by Dayna 1700