Aspergillosis and Corticosteroids
Aspergillus is a common mold found in soil, compost, decaying leaves, vegetation, household dust and damp environments. Its microscopic spores are present in the air, and most people breathe them in regularly without becoming ill. Aspergillosis mainly becomes a concern in people with underlying lung disease, asthma, structural lung damage or a weakened immune system . Corticosteroids ("cortisone" or steroids), including some asthma and COPD inhalers, may also increase susceptibility because they suppress parts of the immune response. Main forms and possible symptoms Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) occurs mainly in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Possible symptoms include wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, thick mucus or mucus plugs, and worsening asthma. Unlike other forms, corticosteroids may actually be used to treat ABPA because they reduce the allergic inflammation. Aspergilloma ("fungus ball") develops when Aspergill...