ASPERGILLOSIS DIAGNOSIS |
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Aspergillosis can be quite difficult to
diagnose because the symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, if
present at all, are common to many respiratory disorders.
Furthermore, blood and sputum cultures are not very helpful. The
presence of Aspergillus is so common, even in asthmatics, that a
positive culture alone is insufficient for a diagnosis. Other,
potentially more useful, screening tools include examining the
sample obtained after repeatedly washing the bronchial tubes of the
lung with water (bronchial lavage), but examining a tissue sample
(biopsy) is the most reliable diagnostic tool. Researchers are
currently attempting to develop a practical, specific, and rapid
blood test that would confirm Aspergillus infection.
Signs of ABPA include a worsening of bronchial asthma accompanied by
a low-grade fever. Brown flecks or clumps may be seen in the sputum.
Pulmonary function tests may show decreased blood flow, suggesting
an obstruction within the lungs. Elevated blood levels of an
antibody produced in response to Aspergillus and of certain immune
system cells may indicate a specific allergic-type immune system
response.
A fungal mass (aspergilloma) in the lung usually does not produce
clear symptoms and is generally diagnosed when seen on chest x rays.
However, 70% or more of patients spit up blood from the lungs
(hemoptysis) at least once, and this may become repetitive and
serious. Hemoptysis, then, is another indication that the patient
may be suffering from an aspergilloma.
In patients with lowered immune systems who are at risk for
developing invasive aspergillosis, the physician may use a
combination of blood culture with visual diagnostic techniques, such
as computed tomography scans (CT) and radiography, to arrive at a
likely diagnosis. |
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| ASPERGILLOSIS RELATED ITEMS |
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