Fungal or mycotic lung diseases are a growing public health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that even previously harmless types of fungal organisms are beginning to create serious illness in those whose immune systems are weakened due to cancer, organ transplant or HIV. Although fungal lung infections most often afflict people with compromised immune systems, anyone can contract a fungal lung disease.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by inhaling the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The lungs are the most common site of infection, but the fungus can spread to other parts of the body. Anyone can become infected with histoplasmosis, although most will not develop symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they typically consist of feeling unwell, fever, chest pains and a dry cough. The very young, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are at greater risk of having the disease spread to other areas in the body. Without treatment, the widespread form of the illness is usually fatal. In otherwise healthy people, the symptoms typically abate in about two weeks.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillus is a type of mold found in soil and dust and on plants. It can sometimes be isolated from spices and certain foods. The Merck Manuals Medical Library notes that aspergillus species are very common, and can be present in building materials and hospitals.
There are many species of aspergillus that cause several different forms of aspergillosis. People with pre-existing lung problems are at greater risk of developing an aspergillus lung infection. The disease can take hold when the spores of the mold are inhaled. Depending on the species involved, aspergillus can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or it may cause invasive disease, spreading to other parts of the body. People with the allergic type experience wheezing and coughing, and may have a fever. The invasive type can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and fever. Invasive aspergillosis usually only affects those with compromised immune systems.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcus neoformans is a type of fungus found in soil worldwide. It is the cause of cryptococcosis, an illness similar to pneumonia. Most people who get cryptococcosis have impaired immune systems. The illness is common in those infected with HIV, according to the National Institutes of Health. Cryptococcosis can occur after inhaling the airborne spores of the fungus. Symptoms include fever, chest pain and a dry cough. If the disease spreads beyond the lungs, a person may experience headache, nausea, swollen glands, skin rash and mental confusion.
