Fungal Lung Infection. Risk Factors
Fungal lung infection is a condition that affects the lungs and can cause severe damage to the respiratory system. It is caused by fungi that enter the lungs through inhalation, and it can be very dangerous if left untreated. Fungal lung infection may occur due to the reduction in immune functions, contact with unfavorable surroundings, and other similar risk elements. This article explains the associated risks of fungal lung infection and how to stop it from happening.
What are the Different Types of Fungal Lung Infections
Fungal lung infections are caused by a variety of fungi, and can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The types of fungal lung infections include:
- aspergillosis
- cryptococcosis
- histoplasmosis
- mycobacteriosis
In the case of fungal lung infections, treatment usually consists of antifungal drugs that can help clear out the infection and its symptoms. To get the best care possible, it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately if you think you have a fungal lung infection.
Effects of Fungal Lung Infections on Your Immune System
Fungal lung infections can be detrimental to one’s immunity. When a person comes in contact with fungi, their body begins to mount an immune response as a defense mechanism against the infection. This response can cause
- inflammation in the lungs
- fever
- cough
- difficulty breathing
In some cases, the immune system may be unable to fight off the infection and it can become chronic or recurrent. It is important to understand how your body responds to fungal infections in order to be able to treat them effectively and reduce your risk of complications.
How Strengthen Your Immune System
Good nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals is especially important. According to research conducted by the American Dietetic Association, certain micronutrients including vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), C, D, E, K1 and zinc may play a role in protecting lung tissue from infection. Here are some helpful food sources for these nutrients:
- Vitamin A: yellow and orange fruits, green vegetables, milk
- Vitamin B1: rice, whole grains, beans
- Vitamin B2: liver, red meat
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, green and red peppers
- Vitamin D3: milk and other dairy products
Diagnosed
Fungal lung infections can be difficult to distinguish from other types of lung infection, and the risk factors depend on the type of fungal infection. CT scans are a common tool used to diagnose fungal lung infections, as they can detect white blood cell infiltration in the lungs. Endemic fungal infections are especially difficult to detect since there is often no prior history of contact with these pathogens. Early detection is key to effective disease control, and so it’s important for medical professionals to be aware of the risk factors associated with fungal lung infections.
The risk factors for fungal lung infections depend on the type of fungus causing the infection. The main risk factors for histoplasmosis are exposure to bird or bat droppings in outdoor environments, as well as living near farms or rice fields. The common cold is another risk factor for mucormytosis and coccidioidomycosis, which both afflict people in places with high altitude where there are no doctors nearby.The most common types of fungal lung infections are associated with soil contamination, such as endemic fungi like histoplasmosis and coccidioidomyc. A lung infection can also be caused by inhaling a fungus that is found in moist or wet areas.
The type of lung infection a person has depends on the type of bacteria (pneumonia) or fungus (aspergillosis) that is causing it.
