The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)? " � Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (called "ABPA " � here) is an allergic reaction that can cause coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It usually happens in people who have asthma or cystic fibrosis. These lung conditions make it hard to breathe. � �
People who get ABPA are allergic to a fungus called "aspergillus. " � This allergy is more serious than an allergy to pollen or pets. ABPA can cause scars to form inside the lungs. This can make asthma or other conditions worse. � �
What are the symptoms of ABPA? " � The symptoms include: � �
- Coughing up mucus with brown specks in it
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Fever
- Feeling sick
A few people who get ABPA cough up blood, but not everyone does. � �
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � If you are coughing up blood, call your doctor or nurse. Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, dial 9-1-1) if you have a severe asthma attack and your symptoms: � �
- Get worse
- Do not get better after using a quick-relief medicine
Will I need tests? " � Yes. Your doctor or nurse will do an exam and learn about your symptoms. He or she can also order the following tests: � �
- Chest X-ray " � This might show changes in the lungs caused by ABPA.
- CT scan of the chest " � This is an imaging test that uses a special X-ray to create pictures of the inside of the body. It can show more details than a regular X-ray.
- Breathing tests " � For these tests, you breathe hard into a tube. The tests show how well your lungs are working.
- Skin test " � In this test, the doctor or nurse will put a tiny bit of aspergillus on your skin. Then he or she will make a tiny prick in the skin. The aspergillus has been treated so it cannot make you sick. After 15 or 20 minutes, you might get a red, itchy bump like a mosquito bite. If you do, it means you are allergic to the fungus and ABPA might be causing your symptoms. If you do not get a bump, you probably do not have ABPA.
- Blood test " � This can show if your bodys infection-fighting system, called the "immune system, " � shows signs of an allergy to aspergillus.
How is ABPA treated? " � ABPA is treated with medicines. These include: � �
- Steroid medicines, such as prednisone (brand name: PredniSONE) " � To help the lungs get better. Steroids help with inflammation in the lungs. These are not the same steroids that athletes take to build up muscle.
- Medicines to kill the fungus that causes aspergillosis. These include itraconazole (brand name: Sporanox) or voriconazole (brand name: VFEND).
Your doctor or nurse will do blood tests every month or two to see if the ABPA is getting better. You might also have X-rays to check your lungs. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83427 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
Copyright
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �