¿Cómo identificar la infección por hongos en los pulmones?

Title: How to identify fungal infection in the lungs? Profile: Raise awareness about pulmonary fungal disease, its symptoms, prevention, and treatment to take care of lung health. Keywords: ['Lung health', 'Disease knowledge.']

Recently, during an inspection round, a patient took my hand and asked: “Nurse, I heard that food left out for a long time gets moldy, but how can there be something like 'mold in the lungs'?” This reflects the confusion of many patients when they hear doctors mention 'pulmonary fungal infection'.

'Moldy lungs' refer to the condition where the lungs are infected by fungi, usually caused by inhaling fungal spores. Fungal infections can lead to lung inflammation, and common types of fungal infections include aspergillosis. Patients may experience symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. If one suspects a fungal infection, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

In reality, it is a lung disease caused by a fungal infection. Although it sounds as if the lungs are 'moldy,' it does not mean that actual mold spots appear like those seen on food. When mold spores floating in the air are inhaled by individuals with a weakened immune system, they can cause a pulmonary fungal disease (commonly known as 'mold in the lungs').

Symptoms of 'wet' lungs or those affected by fungi may include: 1. Persistent cough, which may be dry or productive. 2. Difficulty breathing or a sensation of shortness of breath. 3. Chest pain, especially when taking a deep breath or coughing. 4. General fatigue or weakness. 5. Fever or chills. 6. Night sweats. 7. Unexplained weight loss. It is important to consult a doctor if these symptoms arise.

Cough: dry cough or cough with white, yellow sputum, or even with blood-streaked sputum.

Difficulty breathing: trouble breathing after activity, and in severe cases, even at rest.

Chest pain: intensifies when taking a deep breath or coughing.

Fever and night sweats: general symptoms that can be easily confused with a cold.

General fatigue: loss of appetite and weight loss.

3. Special attention to high-risk groups

Diabetics: control blood sugar levels and have regular lung check-ups.

Patients with chronic lung diseases (such as COPD, asthma): avoid contact with moldy environments and follow the doctor's medication instructions.

Individuals with weakened immunity (such as chemotherapy patients or organ transplant recipients): reduce exposure to crowded places and, if necessary, prophylactic treatment with antifungals.

4. What to do if the lungs are 'moldy'?

If you unfortunately contract a pulmonary fungal infection, do not worry too much. Currently, several antifungal medications are available to treat pulmonary fungal diseases, and doctors will choose the appropriate medication and treatment plan according to the patient's specific situation.

Wang Yajing, Supervisory Nurse of the Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine Department at Yueqing Municipal Hospital.