Fungal lung infection (valley fever, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, or aspergillosis)

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Cough and fever

Less common

• Tiredness
• Chest pain
• Rash

Look up a symptom: Cough · Fatigue · Fever

When to get medical care

Causes

Fungal spores.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
• People get it from: breathing it in, breathing in dust, breathing it in (mostly in people with weak immune systems), or breathing in dust from soil.

Who is more likely to get it

• Outdoor workers

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Blood or sputum tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Rest
• Fluids

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Outlook depends on the cause; early care helps.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Fungal lung infection (valley fever, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, or aspergillosis)