What is it?
Aspergillosis is a disease caused by a fungus (or mold) called Aspergillus. The fungus is very common in both indoors and outdoors and usually grows on decaying vegetation and dead leaves. Most people breathe in the spores of the fungus every day without being affected. But some people get the disease. It usually occurs in people with lung diseases or weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms?
- Wheezing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cough.
- Fever (in rare cases).
- Coughing out blood.
- Weight loss.
- Other symptoms can develop if the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body.
What to expect?
Are you diagnosed with a lung disease or weakened immune system? Consider discussing with your doctor whether you need to take the following measures to prevent aspergillosis:
- Avoiding places where aspergillus mould is often found, such as compost heaps and piles of dead leaves.
- Closing your windows if there’s construction work or digging outside.
- Wearing a face mask in dusty places.
- Do not dry your laundry in your bedroom or living areas, if possible – ideally dry it outside or in a tumble dryer.