Symptoms of aspergillosis

The symptoms of aspergillosis vary, depending on the type and thepart of the body that's affected.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and severe asthma with fungal sensitisation

Symptoms of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can include:

• Shortness of breath
• wheezing
• fatigue
• a cough that brings up thick lumps of mucus
• generally feeling unwell

If you also have asthma , this may become more difficult to control with medication.

Symptoms of severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS) include:

• persistent wheezing
• severe breathlessness
• a persistent blocked or runny nose

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and aspergilloma

In the early stages, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) may not have any symptoms. Those that may develop later include:

• shortness of breath
• a persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• unintentional weight loss
• feeling very tired and run down

If a ball of fungus (aspergilloma) develops in the lungs, symptoms can include coughing up blood, a persistent cough, and a slightly raised temperature.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) affects the lungs at first, but can spread to other parts of the body such as the skin, eyes, brain and other internal organs.

Initial symptoms can include:

• a raised temperature (fever)
• coughing up blood
• shortness of breath
• chest pain or discomfort

Additional symptoms can develop as the infection spreads. For example, headaches and seizures can occur if the infection reaches the brain.

When toget medical advice

Always contact your GP if you:

• cough up blood
• have unexplained weight loss
• havea persistent cough and fever

If you develop symptoms of aspergillosis and have a weak immune system for example, because of an organ transplant, cancer treatment or an underlying condition contact your GP orspecialist immediately.