Several fungi, including Blastomyces dermatitidis, cryptoccous neoformans and Coccidium clavatum can cause lung infections. These illnesses are caused by breathing in spores that the fungi release when they grow and die. They usually spread among people with weakened immune systems or those who have lung disease or an infection such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
The fungi can also invade other parts of your body, including your sinuses and ears. This can cause stuffy nose and other symptoms, such as headache, fever and drainage that may contain blood. The fungi may also make your breath smell like mold or musty.
Fungal infections that affect your lungs are called pneumonias, and they can lead to severe complications if you don’t get treated. Most people with healthy immune systems and normal lungs can fight off pneumonia by themselves, but some people can become seriously ill from it. If you have a weakened immune system or an underlying lung disease, your chances of becoming seriously ill from pneumonia increase significantly.
Most fungi that cause infections in your lungs live in soil or decaying leaves and wood. When these fungi come in contact with human activities, such as farming, gardening, construction and road work, they stir up dust and spores that can enter your lungs when you breathe.
A new study suggests that the fungi that cause histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and coccidioidomycosis–all of which are known to affect your lungs — have expanded beyond their traditional ranges in recent decades, most likely due to climate change. The findings are alarming, according to a commentary published this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
The authors of the study say that most health care providers in the United States rely on outdated maps of these fungi’s ranges and fail to correctly diagnose these serious fungal infections. These misdiagnoses can lead to late diagnosis and delayed treatment, which can worsen the illness or prolong treatment outcomes.
Researchers also found that Histoplasma, Coccidioides and Blastomyces fungi are present in more counties than previously thought. These three fungi are linked to a number of illnesses and are more common in certain populations, such as men and children who have weakened immune systems.
Symptoms that can be caused by these fungi include fever, cough, fatigue and night sweats. These fungi can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing.
If your symptoms aren’t improving, ask your doctor to test you for these fungi. The tests will help doctors decide on the right treatment for you.
Your doctor will also check your phlegm (the fluid that floats in your lungs) and lung tissue to see if a fungus is present. He or she may order a chest CT scan, which can show the extent of damage to your lungs and other structures.
Treatment for a fungal lung infection usually involves antifungal medications. In some cases, surgery to remove the fungus is needed. If your lungs have been damaged, oxygen therapy and breathing exercises can be prescribed to strengthen your lungs.
