Cystic Fibrosis Fungus Infection

People that suffer from cystic fibrosis (CF) can have symptoms that vary. Many people have a mild form of the illness, with symptoms not showing up until adulthood. Others may have a severe form of CF and develop serious fungal infections of the lungs.

Identification

• CF is an inherited medical condition that most often affects the lungs, sinuses, liver, pancreas and sex organs. CF may cause the mucus in the body to thicken, building up in the lungs and possibly blocking the airway. This environment makes it easier for bacteria to grow and may result in repeated lung infections.

Types

• Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a fungal infection that can occur in those suffering from CF. This type of infection mainly occurs in people that have severe asthma along with CF.

Effects

• ABPA commonly causes wheezing, expulsion of mucus plugs, fever, and bronchitis in patients that have CF. Patients that have this condition may also develop bacterial pneumonia, making this condition even more difficult to manage.

Risk Factors

• Patients that have CF may be at a higher risk of developing ABPA if they have diabetes, have been receiving frequent antibiotics, or are on corticosteroids. Patients that have severe CF are also at greater risk for developing this infection.

Treatment

• CF patients that develop ABPA may be treated with antibacterial and antifungal medications. In patients that are wheezing, inhaled corticosteroids may also be used. There is no cure for CF, and a lung transplant may eventually be necessary for patients that develop repeated lung infections.