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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Chronic Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis - Chronic Pulmonary

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

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Definition

Chronic 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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Coccidioidomycosis - Chest X-Ray
Coccidioidomycosis - Chest X-Ray

Tuberculosis, Advanced - Chest X-Rays
Tuberculosis, Advanced - Chest X-Rays

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Fungus

 
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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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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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