Aspergillosis is an infection, allergy reaction, or fungal development caused by aspergillus fungus. The fungus mostly develops on decaying vegetation and dead leaves. Coming in contact with the fungus does not necessarily mean you will get aspergillosis. Virtually everyone comes in contact with the fungus each day and never gets the disease. Aspergillosis mostly affects people with a compromised immune system, lung disease, and asthma inhale their fungal spores. The mold that causes this disease is everywhere (indoors and outside). Most forms of this mold are benign, but some lead to severe conditions in people with a weak immune system. In some cases, the fungus causes an allergic reaction. Sometimes, it leads to mild or severe lung infections. The most serious type of aspergillosis is invasive aspergillosis.
Types of aspergillosis and their symptoms
Different kinds of aspergillosis affect the body in several ways. Some conditions or drugs increase a person’s risk of having each type. Different kinds of aspergillosis have different symptoms.
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
In allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), the fungus leads to allergic reactions such as coughing or wheezing. People with lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis [1] or asthma are at a higher risk of having this condition. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis leads to shortness of breath and general feelings of being weak.