Fungi in human lungs symptoms. Fungal diseases of the lungs

- This is a mycotic lesion of the lungs, the causative agents of which are various types of fungi. The disease is manifested by fever, weakness, cough with mucopurulent sputum and hemoptysis, shortness of breath, chest pain, myalgia. The diagnosis of fungal pneumonia is made according to the anamnesis, symptoms, radiography of the lungs, microbiological, serological and molecular genetic studies. Treatment of fungal pneumonia includes the appointment of antimycotic drugs, immunocorrectors, multivitamins, detoxification and desensitizing agents.

Fungal pneumonia (pneumomycosis) is an inflammatory process that develops in the alveoli and lung parenchyma during the introduction and uncontrolled reproduction of pathogenic or opportunistic fungal strains. Fungal pneumonia can occur as an independent (primary) disease with direct infection of the lung tissue or secondarily, as a complication of another background, including respiratory pathology (bronchiectasis, obstructive bronchitis, lung abscess).

Fungal pneumonia is considered one of the most severe forms of pneumonia, the number of cases of which has recently been increasing, despite the use of the latest antimycotic drugs in pulmonology. The specificity of pathogens and the torpid course of pneumomycosis present great difficulties for precise setting diagnosis and delay the timely initiation of therapy, exacerbating inflammatory changes.

Causes

Fungal pneumonia is caused by colonization of the mucosa lower divisions respiratory tract with strains of fungi, many of which are representatives of opportunistic microflora. Fungi can be the causative agents various kinds- mold (Aspergillus, Mucor), yeast-like (Candida), endemic dimorphic (Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Histoplasma), pneumocystis (Pneumocystis). Most often, in fungal pneumonia, Candida fungi (C. albicans), aspergillus and pneumocystis (P. carinii), which have a predominant tropism for lung tissue, are detected.

Depending on the causative agent, pneumomycosis is divided into:

mucomycosis of the lungs

Pathogenic fungi - pathogens of exogenous pneumomycosis (Aspergillus, Mucor, Blastomyces, Coccidioides, Histoplasma) may be present in soil, water, industrial and household dust, in damp rooms, on rotten wood, insufficiently treated medical equipment and penetrate into human lungs mainly by inhalation of air contaminated with mycelium and spores (air-droplet-dust way). The causative agent of pneumocystis pneumonia is transmitted only from person to person. First, a temporary, and then a persistent carriage with the development of fungal pneumonia is formed.

Fungal pneumonia can manifest itself as a mixed infection (mixed, caused various types fungi - yeast-like and mold) and combined, caused by fungi and other microorganisms (for example, aspergillus with gram-negative microflora). Thoracic actinomycosis is a pseudomycosis, as it is caused by anaerobic bacteria of the genus Actinomyces and is accompanied by the formation of an infectious granuloma (actinomycosis) with germination into the surrounding tissues and the appearance of purulent fistulas.

The causative agents of endogenous fungal pneumonia enter the lungs from other foci of mycosis present in the body: by aspiration (for example, with candidiasis of the oral cavity, trachea, bronchi) or by the hematogenous and lymphogenous route - with a widespread lesion. Candida fungi present in the composition of the microbiocenosis of the skin and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, under certain conditions, are activated, acquire pathogenicity and cause pneumomycosis.

Risk factors

Fungal pneumonia often develops in patients with malignant diseases blood ( acute leukemia) and lymphoproliferative tumors receiving long-term radiation or systemic chemotherapy (immunosuppressants and glucocorticoids); as a complication of HIV infection and AIDS, diabetes mellitus, aplastic anemia, tuberculosis, conditions after organ transplantation, artificial ventilation lungs. The occurrence of fungal pneumonia contributes to the violation normal microflora(dysbacteriosis of the respiratory tract), associated with prolonged and irrational use of antibiotics. Among the main factors in the development and reactivation of fungal pneumonia in 50% of patients is agranulocytosis. Fungal pneumonia is often combined with mycotic lesions of the mucous membranes, skin, nails.

Pathogenesis

The realization of the pathogenic potential of fungi is always facilitated by the inhibition of factors of specific and nonspecific general and local resistance of the organism with the development immunodeficiency state. Populating the gaps of the bronchioles and alveoli, the fungi begin to actively multiply, causing the migration of leukocytes and the accumulation of serous fluid. During the period of exacerbation, mycotic lesions of the lung tissue are characterized by the presence of decay zones in the form of cavities, sometimes by the formation of abscesses, in which accumulations of the fungus are found; during the recovery period, areas of dense granulation tissue appear in their place.

Symptoms of fungal pneumonia

In most cases, the onset of pneumomycosis is characterized by an indistinct clinical picture, with minor, sometimes atypical symptoms and is manifested by episodes of fever, weakness, dry cough, myalgia. Intoxication is associated with the action of mycotoxins. Appearance purulent sputum when the abscesses formed by the accumulation of fungi in the lung tissue rupture, it makes the picture of the disease more pronounced.

A massive single infection with exogenous fungi provokes an acute process, in the case of repeated intakes of small doses of pathogens and in weakened patients, pneumomycosis takes chronic course with relapses. Overdevelopment connective tissue leads to the appearance of shortness of breath, streaks of blood in the sputum (sometimes, profuse pulmonary bleeding). Mixed forms of pneumomycosis are more severe than monoinfection. Fungal pneumonia can be complicated by exudative or fibrinous pleurisy when an abscess opens into the pleural cavity or the fungus grows into the pleura; development of respiratory (including acute) and cardiovascular insufficiency. The course of pneumomycosis various etiologies has certain clinical features.

Aspergillosis of the lungs

Aspergillus pneumonia can be acute and chronic, including severe fulminant forms. They are often characterized by signs of abscess pneumonia, possible involvement of the pleura and lymph nodes, and the formation of specific suppurating granulomas. Almost constant bouts of coughing with copious mucopurulent or purulent discharge (in the form of dense lumps) and an admixture of blood, pain and heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, turning into suffocation, prolonged subfebrile condition with temperature jumps, chills and night sweats. There is a severe general condition, great weakness, anorexia and cachexia.

It is possible for fungi to grow into the walls of blood vessels with the formation of thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarcts. Chronic Aspergillus pneumonia is secondarily superimposed on various lung lesions, manifesting itself as symptoms of the underlying disease and fungal infection. The localized form - aspergilloma of the lungs occurs when an already existing cavity in the lung tissue is infected with fungi and is often asymptomatic. With fungal pneumonia, abscess formation can become a chronic process.

Candidiasis of the lungs

Primary candidal pneumonia may be accompanied by signs of intoxication when normal temperature body, can sometimes begin acutely with fever, shortness of breath, cough with scanty sputum, hoarseness, chest pain, excessive sweating. Typically bilateral, in children early age a relapsing course with a transition to chronic granulomatous generalized candidiasis is possible. Secondary candidal pneumonia is severe with a suffocating cough, purulent-bloody sputum, vomiting, and dehydration. Often it takes on the character of a progressive destructive process with the formation of large thin-walled cysts in the lungs, the development of lung atelectasis, miliary dissemination, or a septic condition.

Pneumocystosis

Pneumocystis pneumonia proceeds as a mono- or mixed infection, often asymptomatically or with an erased clinic, it can latently occur already in the first years of life. The likelihood of subsequent reinfection is not uncommon. It is characterized by a gradual increase in hypoxemia and respiratory disorders, prolonged unproductive cough against the background of poor physical and radiographic data. In premature babies, a manifest form of pneumocystis pneumonia with prolonged, pronounced respiratory failure is noted. Arising the first of opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, pneumocystosis has a rather long sluggish course, complicated by spontaneous pneumothorax, superinfection. In the absence of specific treatment death is possible.

Diagnostics

Determination of the genesis of fungal pneumonia is often difficult due to the peculiarity of mycotic infection, therefore, an integrated approach is needed with anamnesis analysis, clinical symptoms, results of lung radiography, microscopic, cultural, serological (ELISA, RSK, RPHA, RNIF) and molecular genetic (PCR) examination of sputum, blood, lavage and pleural fluid, lung tissue aspirate.

With aspergillosis, a picture of abscessing pneumonia and the phenomenon purulent bronchitis. If there is evidence of prior antibiotic treatment and no response to therapy, fungal pneumonia may be initially suspected. The presence of a focus of mycosis in the form of oral thrush gives reason to think about the candidal nature of the disease. It must be borne in mind that in the presence of an immunodeficiency state, the risk of developing fungal pneumonia is much higher.

In case of fungal pneumonia, the therapist or pulmonologist auscultates in the lungs multiple, first dry, then wet, various rales. In the patient's blood, eosinophilic leukocytosis with a shift to the left and increase in ESR. On the radiograph, an increase in the lung pattern is determined, infiltrative shadows of insignificant or huge sizes with jagged edges; when abscesses appear, randomly located cavities with a liquid level are visible.

With pneumomycosis, spores and mycelium of fungi can be detected by microscopy of a smear of sputum and bronchoalveolar fluid. It is important to conduct sputum culture before starting treatment, which increases the likelihood of isolation and identification of the causative agent of fungal pneumonia and its quantitative assessment. Direct detection of DNA and identification of fungal strain in sputum PCR method should be related to the presence clinical manifestations diseases. One fact of fungal colonization of the respiratory tract in the absence of symptoms infection not enough to make a diagnosis of fungal pneumonia. PCR study blood for fungi allows you to differentiate disseminated and local form mycosis.

Material from the distal bronchi is obtained by bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage. In the washout, the causative agent of pneumocystis pneumonia is detected in 89–98% of cases. If necessary, an aspirate (biopsy) is shown by puncture or open lung biopsy. PCR in fungal pneumonia is informative even after the start of antibiotic therapy and allows simultaneous determination of the DNA of different pathogens in mixed infections. In serodiagnosis, the analysis of the dynamics of detection of antibodies to potential pathogens of fungal pneumonia is indicative.

Treatment of fungal pneumonia

Since the use of antibiotics in fungal pneumonia will aggravate the course of the disease, either specific antimycotic drugs (itraconazole, amphotericin B, fluconazole, ketoconazole, etc.) or inhibitors are required. folic acid and clindamycin for pneumocystosis.

In fungal pneumonia, immunocorrective drugs, multivitamins, detoxifying and stimulating agents, a rational regimen and nutrition are used to eliminate immunity deficiency. In the case of a fungal-bacterial nature of pneumonia, a short course of antibiotics is indicated, and when combined with allergic symptoms, desensitizing drugs, corticosteroids are used. With complications of pneumomycosis exudative pleurisy perform pleural puncture and lavage pleural cavity.

Forecast and prevention

Accurate operational diagnostics and therapy make the prognosis of fungal pneumonia encouraging. In case of untimely and inadequate treatment, there is a high risk severe complications. Fungal pneumonia is one of the most common causes lethal outcome AIDS patients. With a favorable prognosis of primary aspergillosis and candidiasis, a tendency to inflammatory diseases respiratory tract and fungal sensitization; A pulmonary complications(pneumosclerosis) can lead to disability of the patient. In secondary fungal pneumonia, the prognosis depends on the severity of the underlying underlying disease.

Prevention of fungal pneumonia includes prevention at work and in agriculture(sealing of technological processes associated with the release of dust; the use of respirators, microbiological control environment); in medicine and Food Industry(compliance with the rules of disinfection and sterilization). Individual prevention implies strengthening the immune system, eliminating dysbacteriosis and chronic pathology, conducting rational antibiotic therapy.

12.04.2017

A fungal infection, called mycosis, can affect the human body not only from the outside, but also inside. Against the background of a weakened immune system, as well as long-term treatment passive infection with antibiotics internal organs. The most common and dangerous disease considered candidiasis. After all, it is the fungus in the lungs, the symptoms of which are similar to other types of pulmonary ailments, that threatens with serious pathologies of the respiratory system. Moreover, the treatment of candidiasis is a very difficult process.

Features of pulmonary candidiasis

The causative agent of a fungal disease of the lungs is a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida.. Despite the fact that microorganisms are permanent inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes, under certain conditions they moderate amount starts to increase rapidly. As a result, fungi enter the blood and lungs, causing the development acute form primary candidiasis, with the transition to the secondary stage, the disease becomes chronic. Encounter a dangerous disease a person of any age can, but most often the symptoms of infection threaten due to the following factors:

With weakened immunity;
Due to prolonged treatment with antibiotics or steroids;
With diabetes;
Due to HIV infection, oncology;
At depressed state and avitaminosis.

The spread of infection with blood flow to all organs occurs when allowable rate fungi in the body. Detection of fungal spores in respiratory tract against the background of dry cough, weakness and pain behind the sternum indicates mycosis of the lungs. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an x-ray of the lungs followed by a sputum examination. This is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease in order to prescribe an effective drug.

Often a lung fungus (candidiasis) is the result of past pneumonia bacterial or viral nature, tuberculosis, abscess. In the course of the development of the pathology, the bronchi are damaged, fluid accumulates in the alveoli, and in the foci inflammatory process symptoms of necrosis appear.

Important: dangerous result fungal infections become the formation of cavities filled with pus in the lungs, as well as scarring of the connective (lung) tissues. Therefore, for any problems with the respiratory system, consultation with a specialist and a thorough examination are important.

Complexity of symptoms

A characteristic feature of the disease of pulmonary candidiasis is the colonization of fungi in the lower space of the lung. At initial stage disease fungal spores are in the respiratory tract along with trapped saliva, signaling signs of simple pneumonia. Then the infection with blood and lymph spreads to other organs, which leads to the development of a secondary form of the disease with more serious manifestations.

The development of pathology is accompanied by symptoms of a common cold or bronchitis, in addition to dry cough, sputum with mucus is formed. With damage to the lung tissues against the background high temperature body, shortness of breath appears with shortness of breath, but often with total absence wheezing when listening to the lungs. This condition is accompanied by an increase in the volume of secreted mucus of a reddish-yellow hue due to blood inclusions. A sign of pulmonary candidiasis is also considered a signal of pain during inhalation or coughing.

In order not to confuse the fungus in the lungs with other pathologies respiratory organ, you should carefully consider the following characteristic symptoms:

The appearance of high body temperature;
Pain behind the sternum, especially when coughing;
Increased sweating at night;
palpitations with shortness of breath;
Difficulty breathing, accompanied by wheezing;
Persistent cough with much sputum and traces of blood.

Fungus in the lungs is especially dangerous for children younger age. Treatment of acute or septic form of pulmonary candidiasis in small child associated with certain difficulties, can even lead to death.

The course of the disease in adults is very severe, and the treatment is protracted, because sometimes there is no relief from taking antibiotics. That's why important point diagnosis becomes a sputum examination for the presence of the Candida fungus, since an x-ray of the lungs reveals symptoms of only severe changes.

Types of fungal infections of the lungs by type of pathogen

Candida albicans - the causative agent of candidomycosis;
Actinomyces bovis - the culprit of actinomycosis;
Trichomycetes - causes the development of streptomycosis;
Blastomyces dermatitidis is the causative agent of blastomycosis;
Aspergillus fumigatus - contributes to the development of aspergillosis;
Histoplasma capsulatum - the culprit of histoplasmosis;
Coccidioides immitis is the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis.

Methods for the treatment of mycosis of the lungs

Traditional Therapy

Treatment of a fungus that has colonized the bronchopulmonary system is a responsible but lengthy process. IN extreme cases shown surgical intervention With long period rehabilitation.

Priority drugs for the treatment of pulmonary candidiasis are antimycotic medicines eliminating intoxication. From the extensive list of antimycotics, Nystatin is most often used, as well as Levorin.

In severe fungal invasions, the drugs are administered intravenously, supplementing the therapy regimen with inhalations with sodium salts these drugs.

An important clarification: fungal diseases are not treated with traditional antibiotics. However, the most effective combination antifungal antibiotics with antimycotics. To the scheme complex therapy connect immunostimulants, multivitamins, prescribe special diet with restriction of simple carbohydrates.

Popular drugs for the treatment of fungus

Help of traditional medicine

It is unacceptable to treat mycosis of the lungs with folk remedies alone, since inaction or wrong treatment threaten irreversible changes respiratory tissues. Home treatments should be in addition to drug therapy, bringing recovery closer when using the following recipes:

With timely access to a doctor, the right methods diagnostics for the appointment of adequate treatment of fungal invasions, you can not be afraid of the appearance of complications of the disease. Otherwise, the risk of developing sclerosis or fibrosis, respiratory failure, even sepsis increases. With advanced pulmonary candidiasis, the threat of death is real.

To get a qualified medical care treatment of the fungus takes place in a hospital where it is possible to carry out artificial ventilation of the respiratory system. To rid yourself of the threat dangerous problems with lungs, do not self-medicate. You should take care of your health, not neglecting the rules of personal hygiene. It is also important to contact a specialist in time if you suspect any type of fungal infection.

12.04.2017

A fungal infection, called mycosis, can affect the human body not only from the outside, but also inside. Against the background of weakened immunity, as well as long-term treatment with antibacterial drugs, passive infection of the internal organs occurs. The most common and dangerous disease is candidiasis. After all, it is the fungus in the lungs, the symptoms of which are similar to other types of pulmonary ailments, that threatens with serious pathologies of the respiratory system. Moreover, the treatment of candidiasis is a very difficult process.

Features of pulmonary candidiasis

The causative agent of a fungal disease of the lungs is a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida.. Despite the fact that microorganisms are permanent inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes, under certain conditions their moderate amount begins to increase rapidly. As a result, the fungi enter the blood and lungs, causing the development of an acute form of primary candidiasis, when the disease becomes chronic during the transition to the secondary stage. A person of any age can face a dangerous illness, but most often the symptoms of infection threaten due to the following factors:

With weakened immunity;
Due to prolonged treatment with antibiotics or steroids;
With diabetes;
Due to HIV infection, oncology;
With a depressive state, as well as beriberi.

The spread of infection with blood flow to all organs occurs when the permissible norm of fungi in the body is exceeded. Detection of fungal spores in the respiratory tract against the background of dry cough, weakness and pain behind the sternum indicates mycosis of the lungs. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an x-ray of the lungs followed by a sputum examination. This is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease in order to prescribe an effective drug.

Often, a fungus of the lungs (candidiasis) is the result of a bacterial or viral pneumonia, tuberculosis, or an abscess. In the course of the development of the pathology, the bronchi are damaged, fluid accumulates in the alveoli, and symptoms of necrosis are found in the foci of the inflammatory process.

Important: a dangerous result of fungal infections is the formation of pus-filled cavities in the lungs, as well as scarring of the connective (lung) tissues. Therefore, for any problems with the respiratory system, consultation with a specialist and a thorough examination are important.

Complexity of symptoms

A characteristic feature of the disease of pulmonary candidiasis is the colonization of fungi in the lower space of the lung. At the initial stage of the disease, fungal spores are in the respiratory tract along with ingested saliva, signaling signs of simple pneumonia. Then the infection with blood and lymph spreads to other organs, which leads to the development of a secondary form of the disease with more serious manifestations.

The development of pathology is accompanied by symptoms of a common cold or bronchitis, in addition to dry cough, sputum with mucus is formed. With damage to the lung tissues against the background of high body temperature, shortness of breath appears with shortness of breath, but often with the complete absence of wheezing when listening to the lungs. This condition is accompanied by an increase in the volume of secreted mucus of a reddish-yellow hue due to blood inclusions. A sign of pulmonary candidiasis is also considered a signal of pain during inhalation or coughing.

In order not to confuse the fungus in the lungs with other pathologies of the respiratory organ, you should carefully consider the following characteristic symptoms:

The appearance of high body temperature;
Pain behind the sternum, especially when coughing;
Increased sweating at night;
palpitations with shortness of breath;
Difficulty breathing, accompanied by wheezing;
Persistent cough with much sputum and traces of blood.

Fungus in the lungs is especially dangerous for young children. Treatment of an acute or septic form of pulmonary candidiasis in a small child is associated with certain difficulties, it can even lead to death.

The course of the disease in adults is very severe, and the treatment is protracted, because sometimes there is no relief from taking antibiotics. Therefore, an important point in the diagnosis is the study of sputum for the presence of the Candida fungus, since an X-ray of the lungs reveals symptoms of only severe changes.

Types of fungal infections of the lungs by type of pathogen

Candida albicans - the causative agent of candidomycosis;
Actinomyces bovis - the culprit of actinomycosis;
Trichomycetes - causes the development of streptomycosis;
Blastomyces dermatitidis is the causative agent of blastomycosis;
Aspergillus fumigatus - contributes to the development of aspergillosis;
Histoplasma capsulatum - the culprit of histoplasmosis;
Coccidioides immitis is the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis.

Methods for the treatment of mycosis of the lungs

Traditional Therapy

Treatment of a fungus that has colonized the bronchopulmonary system is a responsible but lengthy process. In extreme cases, surgical intervention with a long rehabilitation period is indicated.

Priority drugs for the treatment of pulmonary candidiasis are antimycotic drugs that eliminate intoxication. From the extensive list of antimycotics, Nystatin is most often used, as well as Levorin.

In severe fungal invasions, drugs are administered intravenously, supplementing the therapy regimen with inhalations with sodium salts of these drugs.

An important clarification: fungal diseases are not treated with traditional antibiotics. However, the combination of antifungal antibiotics with antimycotics is considered the most effective. Immunostimulants, multivitamins are connected to the complex therapy scheme, a special diet is prescribed with the restriction of simple carbohydrates.

Popular drugs for the treatment of fungus

Help of traditional medicine

It is unacceptable to treat mycosis of the lungs with folk remedies alone, since inaction or improper treatment threatens with irreversible changes in the tissues of the respiratory system. Home treatments should be an addition to drug therapy, bringing recovery closer when using the following recipes:

With timely access to a doctor, the correct diagnostic methods for prescribing adequate treatment for fungal invasions, you can not be afraid of the appearance of complications of the disease. Otherwise, the risk of developing sclerosis or fibrosis, respiratory failure, even sepsis increases. With advanced pulmonary candidiasis, the threat of death is real.

To receive qualified medical care, the treatment of the fungus takes place in a hospital, where it is possible to carry out artificial ventilation of the respiratory system. To save yourself from the threat of dangerous problems with the lungs, you should not self-medicate. You should take care of your health, not neglecting the rules of personal hygiene. It is also important to contact a specialist in time if you suspect any type of fungal infection.

Pneumomycosis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the tissues of the lungs with the active reproduction of fungal microflora. The disease is quite rare, because most often the causative agent of pneumonia in children and adults are bacteria and viruses. The non-standard course of the disease, the complexity of diagnosis and the ineffectiveness of antibiotics widely used in the treatment of the bacterial form make this species pneumonia is one of the most dangerous.

fungal diseases widespread throughout the world. Large percentage population is faced with various manifestations activity of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic fungal species.

Provoking factors against which a fungus of the lungs can develop are:

a sharp decrease in immunity resulting from hypothermia, after surgical intervention or past illness, as well as on the background age-related changes in organism;
persistent disruption at work immune system(AIDS);
reception antibacterial drugs.

The most complex lung lesions develop against the background of antibiotic therapy. Rendering destructive effect on wide range bacteria, the antibiotic greatly reduces natural immunity organism and at the same time completely useless in the fight against the fungus. That is why the uncontrolled intake of antibacterial drugs is unacceptable, and if pneumonia is suspected, it is extremely important to determine which infection caused the formation of purulent, caseous, calcified or fanulomatous foci of inflammation.

Causative agents of pneumomycosis

Most often, mycotic pneumonia occurs against the background of damage by fungi belonging to the genus Candida. This is a group of microorganisms whose activity can cause: vaginal candidiasis, damage to the skin, sinuses, tonsils, as well as joints and tissues.

Less commonly, lung damage is caused by fungi:

Histoplasma capsulatum;
Trichomycetes;
Actinomyces bovis;
Blastomyces dermatitidis;
Coccidioides immitis;
Aspergillus fumigatus;

Combined infection with several types of microorganisms is also possible. Such forms of mycotic pneumonia are more severe, more often complicated and become chronic.

Although diseases caused by different pathogens have their own characteristics of the course, most pneumomycoses have a similar clinical picture, which, without comprehensive survey easily confused with bronchopneumonia or SARS viral or bacterial origin.

Symptoms of a fungal infection of the lungs

The peculiarity of pneumomycosis is that, due to weak severe symptoms infection remains unnoticed for a long time. As a result, the infection has time to cause large-scale tissue damage and spread in the body.

In most cases, fungal pneumonia begins with common symptoms characteristic of the inflammatory process of the lower respiratory tract. May be observed:

cough;
dyspnea;
weakness and fatigue;
chills and fever.

As a rule, the symptoms are not constant and can appear periodically, which delays the patient's visit to the doctor and the correct diagnosis.

With a sharp increase in the number of exogenous fungi, an acute process may occur, which is characterized by more pronounced manifestations of the disease, as well as the phenomenon of intoxication of the body with the waste products of pathogenic microorganisms.

Book an appointment with a mycologist

The fungal origin of pneumonia can be indicated by sputum with purulent contents and streaks of blood (such symptoms appear when abscesses rupture).

Often, doctors neglect the need to conduct tests for the causative agent of the disease and prescribe antibiotic therapy, guided only by the results of the examination and X-ray examination. In this case, the treatment will be ineffective, the patient's condition will worsen while taking antibacterial drugs, and against the background of reduced immunity, complications will begin to develop: abscesses, granulomas, exudative or fibrinous pleurisy, cyst formation, lung atelectasis up to a septic state.

If you suspect pneumonia, be sure to ask your doctor for a complete examination. Remember, pneumonia can occur without fever and severe cough. But without proper timely treatment This disease leads to serious destructive changes in lung tissues, and sometimes fatal.

Diagnosis of fungal pneumonia

If the first symptoms of the disease occur, an adult should consult a therapist, and the child should be urgently shown to a pediatrician. The doctor will conduct an initial examination, auscultate the presence or absence of characteristic wheezing in the lungs that occurs during the inflammatory process.

At the first contact, it is important to inform the specialist about the transferred and chronic diseases, the fact of taking antibacterial drugs in the last few months, as well as describe in as much detail as possible the symptoms that caused the appeal.

If pneumonia is suspected, prescribe:

x-ray examination chest(not fluorography, namely X-ray);
general blood and urine tests;
sputum examination: microscopic, cultural, serological or molecular genetic;
study of lavage and pleural fluids;
study of lung tissue aspirate.

The presence and nature of the inflammatory process in the lung tissues can be judged by the result x-ray examination. Laboratory diagnostics It is aimed primarily at identifying the pathogen, because the choice of the method of treatment and drugs that can effectively deal with pathogenic organisms depends on this.

Treatment Methods

At timely detection pneumomycosis effectively conservative treatment, thanks to integrated approach, including a modern antimycotic, bronchodilator, immunostimulants and multivitamin preparations. With an active response of the body to such a treatment plan, it is possible to predict with a high degree of probability complete cure without any complications.

If the disease was diagnosed at an advanced stage, there was a lack of a proper response to antifungal therapy, or the process was aggravated due to an erroneous diagnosis and prolonged antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention may be required to wash the pleural cavity or remove infected foci.

The causative agent of the disease is a fungus of the Candida family. It is most often found in the composition of the microflora human body and nature. If they do not exceed the norm, then they are considered even useful, but only they should exceed the standards, then the fungi cause significant harm to the body. What are the causes of the disease? What are the signs? How to diagnose candidiasis of the lungs? How to treat the lungs affected by the fungus? Whether there is a folk recipes get rid of candidiasis? Can the disease give complications? Whether there is a preventive measures from disease? There are a lot of questions, let's try to answer them and sort them out in the subject.

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Causes of fungus in the lungs and bronchi

Immunodeficiency phenomena;
Most often, the disease occurs in people with diabetes;
Use of antibiotics;
Application oral contraceptives;
Use of corticosteroids;
endocrine disorders;
Infectious diseases chronic nature;
Improper nutrition;
Use alcoholic beverages especially beer.

Lobar mycotic candidiasis of the lungs;
Chronic bronchial candidiasis;
Focal mycotic candidiasis;
Disseminated candidal fungus of the bronchi;
Cavernous candidal fungus of the lungs;
Postcandidiasis pneumofibrosis;
Bronchial mycoma;
exudative candidiasis;
Types allergic nature bronchi and lungs.

Fungus in the lungs is determined by following symptoms :

Signs of candidiasis of the lungs are similar to simple pneumonia.
More often, inflammation begins in the lower part of the lungs.
At the beginning of the disease, a person may complain of a decrease in appetite, cough, weakness, and a slight increase in temperature.
On next stage disease, the patient begins to expectorate with an admixture of blood.
There is rapid breathing.
Arise pain in the area of fungus.
Sweating increases.
Fever.
When the doctor begins to listen to the lungs, he cannot detect a clear picture.
If the patient is prescribed antibiotics, then with pulmonary candidiasis, he may become worse.
The pleura retracts rapidly.
If a puncture is made, an effusion with blood may appear.

If you have long time cough does not go away, even when taking antibiotics, it is necessary to pass additional examination not only for tuberculosis, but also for the presence of a fungal infection.

Diagnostics

An infectious disease specialist, therapist or pulmonologist can diagnose the disease. The doctor at the first examination checks:

General state person;
body temperature;
The duration of the symptoms of the disease.

The further actions of the specialist are sending the patient for an x-ray of the lungs. After passing the x-ray, the patient must pass a sputum test so that the laboratory assistant can detect the presence of a fungus in it.

Most often, specialists for the treatment of pulmonary candidiasis prescribe levorin and nystatin.

In severe form, nystatin should be taken at 10,000,000-12,000,000 units.
In light and average form— 6,000,000 — 8,000,000 units each.
If a person is a candida carrier, then it is necessary to drink 3,000,000 - 4,000,000 units. The course is 20-30 days with a 1-2 week break.
Levorin is drunk at 1,500,000 units per 24 hours.
With these drugs, inhalations can also be done - 150,000 IU per 5 ml of distilled water.

The doctor can also prescribe Amphoglucamine tablets. It is worth drinking 400,000 - 500,000 IU in 24 hours after eating 40 minutes later. The course is 10-30 days.
A pulmonologist can also prescribe antimycotic systemic medications, for example, Diflucan, Itracon or Orungal.
Medicines can also be administered intravenously.
To heal faster, you can drink antibiotics and antimycotics at the same time.
Simultaneously with drugs for the fungus of the lungs, it is worth taking immunostimulants.
For effective treatment it is worth adding antifungal bronchodilators and antiallergic agents to antimycotics, for example, Salbutomol and Suprastin.
You need to take a course of detoxification therapy.

Alternative methods of treatment of candidiasis of the lungs

You need to take two cloves of garlic, peel and finely chop. garlic mixture transferred to a shallow container and poured 100 ml boiled water. The resulting mixture must be mixed well, but it is better to pour into a small bottle and shake several times. It is necessary to give time to infuse the infusion, and then bury it in the nose in 3-4 drops.
Yarrow, peppermint, chamomile and sage are taken. All herbs must be taken in equal parts - 2 tbsp. spoons of each and chop, then pour hot water 2 glasses. The resulting mixture should be infused in a teapot. A decoction of 0.5 cups is drunk in a warm form 30 minutes before meals - 3 times in 24 hours.

Complication of the disease

The tissues of the bronchi or lungs may change.
Fibrosis or sclerosis may occur.
There are secondary viral or infectious infections.
Appears respiratory failure.
Sepsis may occur.

Need to be treated promptly fungal infection arising on skin and in the urogenital system.
Personal hygiene must be observed.
Monitor your health.

To reduce the risk of development in the body, it is necessary:

Limit consumption of yeast bread.
Limit yourself to sweets.
Swap milk for kefir.
Must have to drink fresh juices: carrot, beet and potato.

In the process of considering the topic, detailed answers were given to the questions posed, in the end I would like to summarize:

Do not confuse pulmonary candidiasis with ordinary pneumonia.
At the first signs of the disease, you should seek help from a specialist.
The sooner it starts qualified treatment the lower the risk of complications.
You need to watch your diet less products, which can cause the development of candidiasis in the body.

It is worth remembering that folk remedies help to weaken the development of the disease, but only medicines are fully capable of curing it.

It is necessary to take timely preventive measures aimed at preventing the disease.
Include fresh juices, fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Treatment should be prescribed by a specialist; you cannot drink certain drugs without recommendations.
It is imperative to monitor the development of the disease in a child, because they most often have complications.

About a fungal infection in the lungs and upper respiratory tract in the video: