Fungal Lung Infections

Lung infections may be caused by several things, such as viruses, bacteria or fungi. There are different types of lung infections that are caused by fungi, including coccidioimycosis, histoplasmosis and pneumonia.

Types

• Coccidioimycosis and histoplasmosis are infections caused by breathing in the spores of their respective fungi, coccidioides immitis and histoplasma capsulatum. The first fungus is typically found in southwestern United States, Central America and South America, and the second is more common in central and eastern United States.

Symptoms

• Coccidioimycosis, histoplasmosis and pneumonia have similar symptoms, including coughing, fever, chest pains and joint aches.

Diagnosis

• There are several tests used to check for fungal lung infections. Chest x-rays, blood tests, urine tests and sputum (spit) tests enable doctors to look for the fungus causing the lung infection. A doctor will also listen to the lungs with a stethoscope to hear how well they are functioning.

Mild Treatment

• Coccidioimycosis and mild cases of histoplasmosis don’t usually require treatment. A doctor may recommend medication to treat symptoms like cough and fever. Lots of rest is standard treatment for fungal lung infections.

Severe Treatment

• Surgery to remove damaged portions of the lung may be required for more severe cases of coccidioimycosis while severe histoplasmosis may entail anti-fungal medications.