Aspergillus Asthma Treatments
Aspergillus is a variety of fungus that is found growing on decaying vegetation (like piles of leaves or compost). It can also be found in other areas, such as air conditioners or even in hospitals and medical clinics. Some individuals suffering from asthma have allergies to the fungal spores of Aspergillus. If they inhale the fungal spores, it might cause an asthma attack to occur. This could cause a disorder called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). With this sickness, asthma worsens because it causes the inflammation of the lung to increase.
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Cure
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There is no cure yet for allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Patients, however, can treat aspergillus asthma by taking oral medication or using puffers for corticosteroids. In general, antifungal medications for the aspergillus have no effect in curing or treating the ABPA.
Monitoring
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Individuals suffering from aspergillus asthma must be monitored regularly to make sure their condition is being properly managed. Some methods for monitoring the APBA include checking out the airflow capacity of the lungs and evaluating antibody levels.
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Avoidance
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People suffering from APBA are generally advised to avoid their triggers when possible. Individuals with APBA should steer clear of bogs, forests, compost heaps, marshes and any other areas in which vegetation could possibly be rotting. It is harder to avoid aspergillus, as it is a very common fungus.
Methods of Treatment
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The treatment methods of aspergillus asthma depend on the type of aspergillosis. In general, aspergillosis is treated with similar drugs as other types of asthma, like systemic steroids. In more serious cases of aspergillus asthma, surgery might be necessary in order to remove or decrease the size of a fungal mass (particularly if the patient is spitting up blood).
Treatments Being Studied
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Two other methods of possible aspergillus asthma treatments are currently being researched. Those methods are placing antifungal agents directly into the lungs or administering antifungals with the use of nebulizers. However, many people suffering from aspergillosis are not good candidates for surgery since they usually already have compromised lung function.
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