Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is usually caused by breathing in tiny bits of mould. The mould is found in lots of places, including: soil, compost and rotting leaves plants, trees and crops dust bedding damp buildings air conditioning systems You cannot catch aspergillosis from someone else or from animals.

Symptoms of aspergillosis include: shortness of breath a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus wheezing a high temperature losing weight without trying feeling tired If you already have a lung condition, your symptoms may get worse.

It can be difficult to diagnose aspergillosis and may take time. A GP will check your symptoms are not being caused by something else, like a chest infection. If they're not sure what's causing your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist for tests such as: X-rays and scans blood tests or tests on a sample of mucus allergy tests a bronchoscopy (where a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to look inside your lungs)

Treatment for aspergillosis depends on the type you have and usually aims to help control the symptoms. If it's not treated or well controlled, there's a risk it could damage your lungs. Treatments for common types of aspergillosis Common types Treatment Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or ABPA (an allergy to aspergillus mould) Steroid tablets and antifungal tablets Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis or CPA (a long-term lung infection) Long-term (possibly lifelong) treatment with antifungal tablets Aspergilloma (a ball of mould in the lungs, often linked to CPA) Surgery to remove the ball if it's causing symptoms, often after antifungal treatment Invasive pulmonary aspergillus or IPA (a life-threatening infection in people with a weakened immune system) Antifungal medicine given directly into a vein in hospital

It's almost impossible to completely avoid aspergillus mould. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting aspergillosis if you have a lung condition or weakened immune system. Do try to avoid places where aspergillus mould is often found, such as compost heaps and piles of dead leaves open your windows several times a day to air your rooms, especially if you're cooking or using a shower wear a face mask in dusty places or when you're gardening consider using a dehumidifier and an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home keep your house heated at between 18 and 21C in cold weather Don’t do not dry your laundry in your bedroom or living areas, if possible – ideally dry it outside or in a tumble dryer do not open your windows if there's construction work or digging outside