Recent diagnosis of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis,along with Bronchiectasis and Asthma

[61044]

I am 76 and never really been unwell since 1981 when I experienced spontaneous pneumothoraces ,which left me with cavity in LUL.

Only this past year have I been feeling things not right and had several what was thought to be chest infections,although 4 courses of antibiotics failed to clear infections completely. Now after a battery of scans and tests and loss of over a stone in weight I have the above diagnosis. Asthma was very mild since 2017.

I am so worried that my weight loss will be detrimental to my recovery(I am now 7st. 10 lb ). Anyone else had this diagnosis this late on in their life?

[GAtherton Administrator Fungal Infection Trust]

Hello - continuing weight loss is certainly something you need to ring to a halt and trying to put some weight on is a high priority for someone with CPA.

An NHS dietician will be able to advise you on strategies to boost your weight - if you are attending the UK NHS National Aspergillosis Centre we can certainly help with all aspects of care for CPA with staff who are experienced in this scenario.

There are high calorie drinks you can be prescribed and a whole list of tips for controlling weight loss. nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-we...

mft.nhs.uk/wythenshawe/serv...

[61044 in reply to GAtherton]

Many thanks, I will ask GP about supplements. And also follow the links. Unfortunately Manchester is a very long way from the south coast!

[GAtherton Administrator Fungal Infection Trust in reply to 61044]

We do have patients who travel that far, however, it would only be for the first consultation after which we run remote consultations using videoconferencing software on your phone or other computer. Your local services would provide us with blood samples for routine tests, you may have a local OPAT service for pharmacy or we will send out your medications using a dedicated courier service.