Aspergillosis

[Libragirl]

Please can someone who has had or still has aspergillosis tell me a little about what they have been through. I have been diagnosed in the past few weeks, and am on steroids and Itraconazole. Consultant was great, but they don't have the time to explain what it is all about. Thanks

[Billiejean_2]

I don't know that much LG but I do know it's a fungal infection. So you are being treated with anti-fungals ( Itracanazole) and steroids. I'm not sure how long your treatment will take but I'm sure others who know more will be able to answer in more detail. I have had IV anti-fungals for Candida a few times and found them easy to tolerate. Last year I had Aspergillis in sputum twice but after a CT scan was told it didn't need any treatment. I hope you get the information you need and that things go well. At least you're on the right treatment, so that's a good start.

[Libragirl in reply to Billiejean_2]

Thanks for your re-assurance, it helps

[annienell]

Hi Libragirl, I'm sure some of our members with experience of aspergillosis will be along shortly but in the meantime, if you type 'aspergillosis' in the search blf box (above right) it will bring up old threads on the subject which you may find interesting and informative.

Annie

[Libragirl in reply to annienell]

Thank you annienell, I will do that

[veg58]

Hi there,

I have asthma and bronchiectasis complicated by allergic pulmonary aspergillosis. There are two ways this fungus can affect you. The type I have is due to an allergic hypersensitivity. My body is producing excess antibodies called IGE against the aspergillosis. With a heightened allergic response there is higher chance of inflammation and more lung damage.

In some people the problem is not due to allergy but the aspergillus itself growing and invading the lung tissue causing damage.

I suspect that if you are on steroids and intraconazole (I am on itraconazole) that you might have the allergic variety. The treatment is monitored by measuring your IGE level. Originally mine was 15000 (normal less than 200). Last time it was checked it was 4000 and I am hoping it will go down more.

I hope this helps

Cheers

[Libragirl in reply to veg58]

Thanks for getting back to me. I hope you wi;l continue to make progress