|
|
Coccidioidomycosis - Chronic Pulmonary
DefinitionChronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis is a disease caused by breathing in a fungus found in the soil in certain parts of the southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central and South America that can cause a chronic lung (pulmonary) condition.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The infection is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus found in desert regions such as Arizona or California's San Joaquin Valley. The disease can have an acute, chronic, or disseminated form.
The chronic form usually develops after a latent period of months to years following an initial benign infection which may go undiagnosed. Lung abscesses may form and may rupture into the pleural spaces causing empyema (pus in the pleural space) or bronchopleural fistula. Scarring (fibrosis) and cavities may gradually form in the upper lungs as the chronic form of coccidioidomycosis slowly progresses over months to years.
Still, the majority of pulmonary coccidioidomycosis infections do not become chronic. In fact, the majority of infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized by a positive coccidioidin skin test.
Dark skinned people and people with a weak immune system are more susceptible to infection and more likely to form chronic or disseminated (spreading to other organs) forms of the disease.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Beta Blockers Raise Stroke, Death Risk After Surgery - May 13, 2008, 09:00
Experts note doses of the blood-pressure drugs given in the study were probably too high. | • | Breast-feeding Might Shield Women From Rheumatoid Arthritis - May 13, 2008, 09:00
Childbearing had no such benefit if baby was bottle-fed, researchers noted. | • | Celebrex, Naproxen Won't Prevent Mental Decline - May 12, 2008, 16:00
New findings suggest daily use of naproxen might even harm cognitive function. | • | Drugs Alone Don't Lower Heart Disease Risks for Overweight Americans - May 12, 2008, 16:00
Study finds signs of trouble show up even when statins, blood pressure meds are used. | • | Viagra May Protect Hearts of Some Muscular Dystrophy Patients - May 12, 2008, 17:00
In study with mice, drug prevented heart failure in those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abscess
• Coccidioidomycosis
• Coccidioidomycosis - Acute Pulmonary
• Coccidioidomycosis - Disseminated
• Empyema
• Pleural Effusion
Tests & Exams
• Blood Differential
• Bronchoscopy
• Bronchoscopy with Transbronchial Biopsy
• CBC
• Chest X-Ray
• Coccidioides Complement Fixation
• Coccidioidin or Spherulin Skin Test
• Open Lung Biopsy
• Routine Sputum Culture
• Sputum Smear (KOH Test)
Other Topics
• Appetite - Decreased
• Chest Pain
• Chronic
• Cough
• Fever
• Joint Pain
• Spores
• Sweating - Excessive
• Titer
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
• Wheezing
Review Date : 10/28/2003
Reviewed By : Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep
Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.
|
|
