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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.
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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.
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Definition Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Symptoms & Signs Prevention Diagnosis & Tests Treatment Prognosis Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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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.
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