What Is Histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is a type of lung infection. It is caused by inhaling Histoplasma capsulatum fungal spores. These spores are found in soil and in the droppings of bats and birds. This fungus mainly grows in the central, southeastern, and mid-Atlantic states.
Most cases of histoplasmosis don’t require treatment. However, people with weaker immune systems may experience serious problems. The disease may progress and spread to other areas of the body. Skin lesions have been reported in 10 to 15 percent of cases of histoplasmosis that has spread throughout the body. What Should I Watch For?
Most people who are infected with this fungus have no symptoms. However, the risk of symptoms increases as you breathe in more spores. If you are going to have symptoms, they generally show up about 10 days after exposure.
Possible symptoms include:
- fever
- dry cough
- chest pain
- joint pain
- red bumps on your lower legs
In severe cases, symptoms may include:
- excessive sweating
- shortness of breath
- coughing up blood
Widespread histoplasmosis causes inflammation and irritation. Symptoms may include:
- chest pain, caused by swelling around the heart
- high fever
- stiff neck and headaches, from swelling around the brain and spinal cord
What Causes It?
Fungal spores can be released into the air when contaminated soil or droppings are disturbed. Breathing the spores may lead to an infection.
The spores that cause this condition are commonly found in places where birds and bats have roosted, such as:
- caves
- chicken coops
- parks
- older barns
You can get histoplasmosis more than once. However, the first infection is generally the most severe.
The fungus doesn’t spread from one person to another and it’s not contagious.
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