About this topic
Coccidioidomycosis is an infection of the lungs. It is also called Valley Fever. This infection is caused by a germ called a fungus. This kind of germ can live in hot, cold, and dry places. It spreads by breathing the germ spores in the air. The spores come from dirt being moved around. You cannot catch this illness from some other person. Most cases are mild and go away without treatment. Some cases will need treatment. Very few cause serious problems or death. This most often happens if you have some other serious illness. ‚
Sometimes, no treatment is needed. Your signs may go away on their own. Other times, the doctor will give you drugs to stop a more serious infection from developing. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight fungal infection
- Help with pain and swelling
- Lower fever
- Control coughing
Will physical activity be limited?
Your doctor will tell you to get lots of rest to help your body fight the infection. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Buildup of pus in the lungs
- Lung abscess
- Scarring of the lungs
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear a face mask to avoid inhaling the dust.
- Stay inside your home during a dust storm.
- Wet the soil before you start digging.
- Keep your doors and windows tightly closed, especially during summer months.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum
- Blood in your sputum
- Chest pain
- Feeling tired
- Stiff neck
- Throwing up
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what situations and activities I should avoid.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have blood in my sputum, chest pain, or a stiff neck.
Where can I learn more?
American Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/coccidiodomycosis/understanding-coccidioidomycosis.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/coccidioidomycosis/treatment.html ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚