Fungal infections BBC website

[Matti1]

For anyone that was or has been found to have Aspergillus fungus in lungs or sensitive to it, this is interesting reading. I was treated for several months with antifungal medication but no reduction in levels.

bbc.co.uk/news/health-36702215

[Hidden]

I also noted this and read it with some interest, having been diagnosed with oesophagitits as a result of oesophageal thrush a couple of years ago. Even once the initial infection was cleared the problem re-occurred, and had to be treated, every three to four months for just over a year.

[Matti1 in reply to Hidden]

I was treated for several months with itraconazole and fluconazole but suffered side effects. The levels went up while on them. Respiratory consultant said spores are in the atmosphere not just damp houses. Algal woodland as I used to enjoy walks. What bothers new is no one had checked my blood for Aspergillus now for 18 months, like it's been forgotten about. It's a bit scary as a nurse I'm very hand hygiene conscious etc and dust mites and just feel they focus on allergy response when they should include fungal sensitisation or aspergillosis.

[freefaller in reply to Matti1]

Totally agree with you Matti1 I was diagnosed with Aspergillosis and an aspergillus nodule in my left lung. I was practically ignored for a long time by the GP surgery. Saw a consultant 5 years ago who diagnosed mild bronchiectasis. Dose of inhalers were changed but after a while I felt myself going down again. Was ignored for about a year by the surgery - just kept putting me on 6 month review but kept telling them I was not getting any better and that this felt so different from my usual asthma. Eventually went privately to see a consultant when I was diagnosed but getting treatment still took a long time and eventually I decided to go to the UK centre of Excellence - University Hospital Of South Manchester, National Aspergillosis Clinic. It is a 6 hour drive from home and we stay the night but was worth it. The Itraconazole has worked brilliantly and has , at the time of writing shrunk the nodule in my left lung too. I feel a different person now. I have been on the Itraconazole since Oct 1 and the nodule had shrunk by Jan 22. I have another appointment on July 22 with x ray to see if it has shrunk any more and had a skype consultation back in April. So far have not experienced any side effects - may be I am a little more fatigued but knowing that this could be caused by the tablets I work through. I am absolutely a different person to the one i was a couple of years ago.

[Matti1 in reply to freefaller]

Itraconazole and fluconazole did nothing for me, checked for bronchiectasis and not there thankfully. They considered sending me to Manchester but discontinued antifungals 2 years ago and never had it checked really since. I've mentioned it a couple of times when I go for Omalizumab intentions but no one listens really.

[freefaller in reply to Matti1]

They really are good at not listening aren't they? When you took the Itraconazole how much did you take and did you always take exactly the same tablets? I know sometimes the pharmacy will give different ones but at Manchester they insist you stay on the same make all the time. That can be difficult but I have managed it with a few arguments with hospitals along the way. I know all the tablets will have the same amount of the main ingredient but it is the other ingredients that may be different or in different amounts that may be making a difference - so I am told by a consultant friend of mine. What inhalers were you on as they can react with the Itraconazole and my inhalers were changed so that I get the best benefit. Of course you are not the same as me - no two people are the same but hooe this helps. Ask your GP for an aspergillus test again and also ask for one next time you see your consultant and depending on the results then maybe ask for a referral to the NAC. I have found that most Doctors do not know what Aspergillosis is and have to rush to look it up - even new Docs fresh out of training.

[Matti1 in reply to freefaller]

Had side effects from itraconazole 200mg daily. Was on symbicort 400 and 40mg Prednisolone daily until I was accepted for Omalizumab injections. I will mention it again though. Thanks

[freefaller]

Interested to know what side effects you had. Whenever I tell a Doc I am on them they have a shocked face and say oh that is bad but I really have no bad side effects yet. How long had you been on them before getting the side effects. I am taking 4 tablets a day and they changed my steroid inhaler from flixotide to ciclesonide.

[Matti1 in reply to freefaller]

I was only on them- itraconazole and fluconazole 4 months as when I had my blood done the levels were rising despite being on antifungals. I was preparing to go onto Omalizumab injections so was on permanent steroids for 2 years and a slow taper off them. I was on symbicort 400/12 then and Ventolin and still on them now. Tried flutiform but not as good as symbicort but I still need Ventolin 4/5 times a day and they know that. Not heard ciclenoside.

I go for Omalizumab, 4 injections every 2 weeks maximum dose of 600mg given on respiratory ward. I feel no real difference with that and it's very expensive 26k a year and have to fit the criteria for nice guidelines to get it.

When I mentioned didn't think it improved my asthma they said imagine what you'd be like without it. Fear tactics. I'm a mental health nurse and used to researching stuff and they don't like it. Photographs of oxygen saturation levels, peak flows and blood pressure and they didn't like that cos I have all the stuff plus nebuliser at home.

Asthma had got worse last few months and not able to work at the moment but have other health problems.

I'm pleased you are getting help and it's improved. I'll plod on at the moment, (checked for bronchiectasis and don't have that) . Best wishes x