Blastomycosis is a fungal disease. Medline Plus describes blastomycosis as a rare infection that may occur when patients inhale a fungus named Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is found in wood and soil. The disease usually presents with pulmonary symptoms (symptoms found within the lungs) and extrapulmonary symptoms (symptoms found outside the lungs). A thorough understanding of all symptoms of blastomycosis can help doctors diagnose the disease and select the proper treatment. Patients should also know what symptoms they can expect if they are infected with the fungus.
Pulmonary Symptoms
Blastomycosis in the lungs, or pulmonary blastomycosis, may be asymptomatic or have mild to severe symptoms, according to Merck. Symptoms include a productive or dry hacking cough, chest pain, difficult breathing (dyspnea), fever, and chills. In some more severe cases, patients can experience either a build up of fluid in the lungs, called pleural effusion, or they can experience acute respiratory distress syndrome. Patients may also experience hemoptysis, or the coughing up of blood, which can be very distressful.
Skin Lesions
MedlinePlus reports that blastomycosis infections may develop skin lesions. The fungus spreads to the skin via the lungs. Skin lesions may look like raised bumps, or papules, that may appear wart-like and may vary from gray to violet in color. Lesions may also look like small blisters, or pustules, that bleed easily and may contain pus. These lesions can eventually lead to permanent scarring or loss of skin color.
Bone Lesions
Bone lesions in blastomycosis are usually signs of systemic infection. Merck indicates that the usual indications of bone lesions are found on the overlying areas above the bone. These areas become swollen, warm and tender. The patient usually feels heat above the bone lesion and the lesions can affect the joints.
Genital Lesions
Merck describes that genital lesions can cause painful swelling of structures within the testicles of male patients. Lesions in the genital area can cause discomfort in the perineum, which is the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva. The lesions can also cause patients to experience pain upon rectal examination.
Symptoms of Advanced Disease
MedicaLook states that if blastomycosis is not treated patients can experience damage to the bladder, kidney, or bone. Patients with skin lesions and pulmonary symptoms who are also experiencing urinating problems or joint aches should undergo testing for widespread fungal infection. Kidney and bladder damage can be evaluated by urinalysis. Joint or bone involvement can be seen in x-rays of the suspected bone lesion.
