How to Diagnose Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus of the Aspergillus genus. It is common and usually affects open spaces in the body, especially cavities in the lungs, resulting from previous diseases. Occasionally, aspergillus also will spread to the sinuses and ear canals. The following steps will show how to diagnose aspergillosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for an aspergilloma on a chest X-ray. This is a ball composed of fungus fibers, blood clots and white blood cells that forms in the sinuses and lungs.

• 2

  Notice a repeated coughing up of blood. This may be severe or even fatal on rare occasions. More commonly, however, the aspergilloma does not cause any symptoms. An aggressive form of aspergillosis in the lungs frequently causes chest pain, coughing, difficulties in breathing and fever.

• 3

  Check for signs of aspergillosis in other areas. An infection in the ear canal causes itching and is sometimes painful. A stain on the pillow could be created from fluid draining overnight. Aspergillosis in the sinuses causes congestion and occasionally pain and discharge. Aspergillosis may also cause an allergic reaction in the skin and mucous membranes.

• 4

  Search for signs of a deeper infection of aspergillus. These can be severe and include blood clots, fever, chills, delirium and shock followed by kidney, liver and respiratory failure. This form of aspergillosis can quickly become fatal.

• 5

  Confirm the diagnosis by having a laboratory detect Aspergillus in infected tissue.