About this topic
Histoplasmosis is an infection of the lungs. This infection is caused by a germ called a fungus. The fungus grows as a mold in the dirt. Bird and bat droppings make the dirt a good place for the germs to grow. The infection 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 or animal. Some cases are mild and go away without treatment. Other cases will need treatment. ‚
What are the causes?
It is caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are most likely to get infected if you: ‚
- Work or do activities that expose you to bird or bat droppings like:
- Farmer
- Cave explorer
- Pest control worker
- Poultry keeper
- Construction or demolition worker
- Landscaper or gardener
- Miner
- Chimney cleaner or roofer
- Have an illness that weakens your immune system like HIV, AIDS, or cancer
- Use drugs like steroids
- Have had an organ transplant
- Are an infant, young child, or older person, as they all have weaker immune systems
- Live in or traveled to certain river valleys in Central America
- Smoke or have lung problems
What are the main signs?
You may not have any signs with this illness. Or, you may only have mild signs like a fever, cough, and headache. You may also have muscle aches and joint pain. Sometimes, there is a rash on your legs. If you are more seriously ill, you may also have chest pain from the swelling in the lining around your heart, confusion, and neck stiffness. You may also cough up blood and have more shortness of breath. ‚
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will ask about your history and do an exam. The doctor may press on your belly and look for swollen organs. Your doctor may order tests like: ‚
- Lab tests
- Chest x-ray
- MRI or CT scan
- Ultrasound
- Sputum culture
- Spinal tap
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Sometimes, no treatment is needed. Your signs may go away on their own. More serious signs and people with a weak immune system often need treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Treat the infection
- Keep the infection from coming back
- Lower fever
- Treat cough
What problems could happen?
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
- Heart problems
- Long-term lung diseases
- Infection and swelling of the brain and spinal cord
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wear a face mask to avoid inhaling dust.
- Stay inside your home during a dust storm.
- Wet the soil before you start digging or working in the soil.
- Wear a face mask when exposed to bird or bat droppings.
- If you are working in high-risk areas, try to get a pre-exposure skin test or blood tests.
- If you have a weakened immune system:
- Avoid contact with bird or bat droppings.
- Avoid exploring caves.
- Avoid raising birds or cleaning bird cages.
- Avoid traveling to places where histoplasmosis is common.
- Avoid smoking.
Where can I learn more?
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ‚
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/histopla.html ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/fungal/histoplasmosis/definition.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/histoplasmosis.printerview.all.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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚