What Is Aspergillosis In COVID Infection?

The world health fight started with COVID, but the later concerns started as people started facing other fungal issues like black fungus, aspergillosis, etc. Although these fungal infections are pre-COVID existing but still their impact has strengthened or changed with COVID. Now let’s understand in detail about Aspergillosis in COVID infection, from what it is all about to how to diagnose and deal with it.

What Is Aspergillosis?

Aspergillosis is a fungal disease caused by a mold by the name of Aspergillus that is found everywhere all around you. Most of you might have breathed it but haven't got sick which might be because of your immunity system. But those with weak immunity power or suffering from any lung diseases should be careful as they will develop various health problems depending on the type of aspergillosis caused. COVID is also a disease caused due to inhaling of coronavirus causing respiratory diseases along with many other illnesses. So, Aspergillosis in COVID infection is something that is to be furthermore cared about. Hence, it’s time that we understand in-depth about this disease and take care to avoid it.

Types Of Aspergillosis

There are various types of Aspergillosis that are as listed below;

1. ABPA - Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

This type doesn't cause any infection but causes some inflammation in the lungs with symptoms of allergy like wheezing and cough.

2. Allergic Aspergillus Sinusitis

In this type, inflammation is observed in the sinus along with sinus infection symptoms but won’t actually cause any infection.

3. Azole-Resistant Aspergillus Fumigatus

This type is noticed when a specific species of the mold, A.Fumigatus turns resistant to the medicine used for treatment. In such cases, patients stand no chance of getting better with the treatment.

4. Aspergilloma

Also known as 'fungus ball', this is faced when the fungus ball grows in the lungs or sinuses.

5. Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis

This happens when the infection leads to cavities in the lungs and this condition can last for a long time. Even 1 or 2 fungal balls may also be there in the lungs.

6. Invasive Aspergillosis

This condition is when the infection is severe and is more observed in individuals with weak immune systems. Lungs are the most commonly affected parts of this type and also have the chance of spreading to other body parts.

7. Cutaneous (skin) Aspergillosis

This skin type infection gets into the body through any cut or wound on the skin. This type of infection may also be observed if the invasive aspergillosis spreads to the other body parts.

Symptoms Of Aspergillosis

The symptoms of aspergillosis depend on the type of infection. Here is a complete list of the common symptoms noticed for each type of Aspergillosis;

ABPA Infection Symptoms

• Wheezing
• Breathing shortness
• Coughing
• Sometimes fever

Allergic Aspergillosis Symptoms

• Blocked or Runny nose
• Headache
• Unable to smell

Aspergilloma Symptoms

• Normal Cough
• Coughing with blood
• Breathing shortness

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis Symptoms

• Unexplainable loss in weight
• Coughing with or without blood
• Fatigue
• Breathing shortness

Invasive Aspergillosis Symptoms

The symptoms for this type of infection are a bit difficult as the infection is more often in people who already have a weak immune system or underwent some medical treatments. However, a few of the symptoms include but not limited to;

• Fever
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing with or without blood
• Breathing shortness

How Is Aspergillosis And Covid Related?

It is very much important and necessary to understand Aspergillosis and COVID infections. Studies are showing that around 20% of the incidence of Aspergillosis in COVID infection patients. It is also observed that this aspergillus can also cause co-infections in COVID patients. Both these infections should be carefully monitored and treated so as to avoid interactions of the drug-drug that may further intensify the cardiovascular toxicity.

How To Diagnose Aspergillosis?

Diagnosis of Aspergillosis in COVID infection is done by the healthcare professionals by taking into consideration all your symptoms, medical history, risk factors if any, various physical examinations, lab tests, etc. CT scan and Chest X-ray of the lungs and if needed of other parts are taken depending on the location of the infection. A tissue biopsy or a test on the fluid in the respiratory tract may also be taken for further understanding and confirmation of the presence of the infection. Blood tests can be of help for diagnosing people with an immune system that is so weak.

Tips To Prevent Aspergillosis

Good thing is that Aspergillosis is not contagious like COVID. So, taking some preventive measures by following a few tips would control the infection. Here are a few tips to prevent Aspergillosis infection.

• Stay protected from the environment covered with dust.
• To avoid direct contact, wear clothing like shoes, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, etc.
• Avoid skin infection conditions.
• Follow the medication perfectly as prescribed by your doctor.

Practicing the health care tips, early identification, and treatment on time would help avoid or prevent the severity of Aspergillosis in COVID patients.