Fungus in the Lungs

According to the National Institutes for Health, inhaling fungi spores can result in an infection in your lungs. Individuals with an impaired immune system and those on antibiotics are more susceptible to fungal lung infections.

Types

There are several types of fungi that can result in an infection in your lungs, according to The Body. They include aspergillosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcal meningitis and histoplasmosis. Many types of fungi are found in the soil, particularly where there are bird droppings.

Symptoms

The Body indicates that symptoms of fungal lung infections may include cough, shortness of breath, chest and facial pain, fever, weight loss, fatigue and night sweats, depending on the particular fungi.

Treatment

Treatment for fungal lung infections includes anti-fungal medications such as amphotercin, itraconazole, fluconazole and flucytosine. In some cases, corticosteroids are used, according to Merck.

Maintenance

According to The Body, long-term maintenance treatment is often needed, particularly with histoplasmosis and cryptococcal meningitis.

Allergic Reaction

An allergic lung reaction to some types of fungi can occur, such as aspergillus fumigates, penicillium, candida, curvularia and helminthosporium, according to Merck. It occurs mainly in individuals with cystic fibrosis or asthma and can ultimately result in chronic lung damage if left untreated.

References

• National Institutes for Health: Fungal Infections
• The Body: Fungus Among Us
• Merck: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis