Coccidioidomycosis – Valley Fever

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Description coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis, commonly called valley fever – is a fungal infection of the lungs, which can lead to very serious problems. The fungus found in soil, most often in the southwestern United States, Mexico and parts of Central and South America. Fungus, other than lung, It can also affect other parts of the body, but then it is called generalized (disseminated, Septic) form of coccidioidomycosis.

Causes of coccidioidomycosis

Valley fever is caused by inhaling the fungus into the lungs. The fungus lives in the soil, but it is carried through the air and into the lungs, where it infects the human. When disturbed soil, containing the fungus, its spores into the air.

The disease can not be transmitted from person to person.

Risk Factors coccidioidomycosis

Anyone exposed to the infection of valley fever, but some people are at higher risk:

• Farmers;
• Construction workers;
• Military;
• Archaeologists;
• People with weakened immune systems (in the field, where valley fever is common);
• Elderly people;
• Women in the third trimester of pregnancy;
• People, working with soil.

Talk to your doctor, if you have any of these risk factors.

Symptoms of coccidioidomycosis

Some people have no symptoms of valley fever. Others have the following symptoms:

• Flu-like symptoms, that last for weeks or months;
• Fatigue, that lasts longer, several weeks;
• Fever;
• Cough;
• Chest pain;
• Chills;
• Night sweat;
• Headache;
• Joint pain;
• Breathlessness;
• Rash, that consists of painful red bumps.

Diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. Tests may include the following:

• Blood tests – to check for the presence of antibodies to protect against fungi;
• Analysis or culture of sputum – to look for the presence of fungi in sputum (mucus or phlegm is selected, is produced when you cough).

Treatment of coccidioidomycosis

Methods include treatmenta:

• Antifungals – some patients, especially with a weakened immune system, They may be prescribed antifungals. Drugs include fluconazole, itraconazole or amphotericin B. These medications help to get rid of the fungus, However, relapse can occur kokcidioidomikoza;
• Bed rest and drinking fluids – Many patients with fever valleys do not need treatment with drugs. The infection disappears by itself. Bed rest and consuming plenty of fluids will speed recovery.

Prevention coccidioidomycosis

There is no effective way to prevent infection fever valleys. Take extra precautions in areas, where the infection is most common and during months, when the probability of infection increases.

To reduce the chance of contracting Valley Fever:

• When working with the soil on the street, especially in areas, where the fungus is common, You need:
  • Always wear a mask;
  • Moisten the soil, to reduce the number of spores in the air;
• In areas, where the fungus is common, Keep doors and windows tightly closed;
• You are indoors during a dust storm.