Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is coccidioidomycosis?
- How common is coccidioidomycosis?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of coccidioidomycosis?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes coccidioidomycosis?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for coccidioidomycosis?
- Diagnosis & Treatment
- How is coccidioidomycosis diagnosed?
- How is coccidioidomycosis treated?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat coccidioidomycosis?
Definition
What is coccidioidomycosis?
Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidoides. Coccidoides mushrooms are found in the southwestern region of the United States (US), parts of Mexico, and South America. This fungus is also found in parts of Washington.
You can become infected with this fungus by inhaling the mold spores that fly through the air. However, not everyone who inhales the spores of the fungus gets sick. Some people can be more prone to get very sick from this infection.
Usually, people infected with coccidioidomycosis can heal on their own in a matter of weeks or months. However, some people may need to use antifungal drugs.
It is difficult to prevent exposure to this fungus, especially in areas where it is natural habitat. Therefore, people who are at high risk for developing coccidioidomycosis should do their best to avoid inhaling dust pollution while in such areas.
How common is coccidioidomycosis?
Anyone who lives in or travels to the southwestern area of the US (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, or Utah), certain parts of Mexico, Central America, or South America can become infected with coccidioidomycosis.
Coccidioidomycosis infection can affect everyone at any age, but is more susceptible to occur in people aged 60 years and over. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of coccidioidomycosis?
Coccidioidomycosis rarely causes symptoms. In some people, flu-like symptoms may appear that go away on their own in a matter of weeks or months. If your symptoms persist for more than a week, discuss with your doctor for more information.
Common symptoms of coccidioidomycosis include:
- Tired
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Night sweats
- Joint pain or aches
- Skin rash on the upper body area or on both legs
In rare cases, fungal spores can enter the body through open wounds and cause skin infections.
When should I see a doctor?
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
Cause
What causes coccidioidomycosis?
Coccidioidomycosis is caused by the fungus Coccidoides immitis or Coccidoides posadasii. This fungus thrives in the barren desert soils of southern Arizona, Nevada, northern Mexico, and the San Joaquin valley in California. This fungus is also commonly found in New Mexico, Texas, and certain areas of Central and South America - where climates are not so cold and dry.
The Coccidoides fungus lives in the soil as moss that can "break" causing spores to fly through the air when soil conditions are disturbed.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for coccidioidomycosis?
There are many risk factors for Coccidioidomycosis, such as:
- Anyone who lives in or travels to the southwestern area of the US (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, or Utah), certain parts of Mexico, Central America, or South America can become infected with coccidioidomycosis.
- Coccidioidomycosis infection can affect everyone at any age, but is more susceptible to occur in people aged 60 years and over. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
- This infection is more susceptible to attacking people who have weak immune systems, such as people with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA), have recently undergone an organ transplant, are taking corticosteroid or TNF-inhibitor drugs, pregnant women, and people who have diabetes.
Please discuss with your doctor for more information.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is coccidioidomycosis diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects you have coccidioidomycosis, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination. Blood tests can also be done to determine whether the cause of your complaint is true coccidioidomycosis infection.
Follow-up tests can include a chest x-ray or CT scan of your lungs to find out if the fungus is causing pneumonia. The doctor may also order a tissue biopsy to look for any fungus that is growing in the body.
How is coccidioidomycosis treated?
In most cases, coccidioidomycosis infection can heal on its own without having to be treated. Even so, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication such as fluconazole for some people who are at high risk to relieve symptoms while preventing the risk of the infection getting worse. This treatment usually lasts 3-6 months.
People who have a severe lung infection or the infection has spread to other parts of the body always need therapy with antifungal drugs and may need to be hospitalized. For infections that are severe and have spread, treatment usually lasts more than six months. Coccidioidomycosis infection that develops into meningitis will be fatal if left untreated. Such cases require lifelong treatment.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat coccidioidomycosis?
If you live or will be traveling to a fungus endemic area, especially in the summer when the risk of infection is highest, avoid breathing air pollution as much as possible. Use a mask when outdoors, stay indoors during a thunderstorm, water the soil before digging it up, and keep doors and windows shut tight.
Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
