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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffThe signs and symptoms of aspergillosis vary with the type of illness you develop, including an allergic reaction, growth or infection.
Allergic reaction
Some people with asthma or cystic fibrosis have an allergic reaction to aspergillus mold. Signs and symptoms of this condition, known as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, include:
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell (malaise)
- A cough that may bring up blood or plugs of mucus
- Wheezing
- Worsening asthma
Growth
People whose lungs have been damaged by conditions such as emphysema and tuberculosis or advanced sarcoidosis may have air spaces (cavities) in their lungs. A growth of tangled fungus fibers (fungus ball) may develop in these spaces, causing a type of aspergillosis called aspergilloma. This condition may not initially produce symptoms, but over time it can cause:
- A cough that often brings up blood
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Unintentional weight loss
Infection
The most severe form of aspergillosis, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, occurs when the infection spreads rapidly through your bloodstream to your brain, heart, kidneys or skin. Signs and symptoms depend on which organs are affected, but in general, invasive aspergillosis can cause:
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Bloody cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or joint pain
- Massive bleeding from your lungs
Other types of aspergillosis
Aspergillus can invade your sinuses and ear canals as well as your lungs. In your sinuses, it can cause a stuffy nose, drainage, inflammation, fever, facial pain and headache. Ear canal infections can cause itching, drainage and pain.
When to see a doctor
If you have asthma or cystic fibrosis, see your doctor whenever you notice a change in your symptoms. Although aspergillosis may not be the cause, it's important to have any problems evaluated. If you have a weakened immune system and develop shortness of breath, a cough that brings up blood or an unexplained fever, get immediate medical care. In the case of invasive aspergillosis, prompt treatment is so crucial that treatment is often started before the infection is diagnosed.
- Stevens DA. Aspergillosis. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126486890-3/0/1492/0.html. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Aspergillosis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/aspergillosis_gi.html. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Davies SF, et al. Fungal infections. In: Mason RJ, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: W.B. Saunders; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126486890-4/817667210/1288/304.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-0327-0..50037-9--cesec55_2038. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Handa S. Aspergillosis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/126486890-5/817668274/1701/64.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50004-5--subchapter59_1265. Accessed March 15, 2009.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 20, 2009.
