Treatment:

Antifungal medications are used to treat the disease. Treating any immune system problem (such as AIDS) and limiting the use of medications that suppress the immune system (such as steroids or chemotherapy) can help the body fight the coccidioidomycosis infection.

Expectations (prognosis):

With treatment the outcome is usually good, although the disease can come back. Some patients, such as those with immune system problems (from AIDS or drugs that suppress the immune system) may need to keep taking antifungal medication to prevent a relapse.

Complications:

• Pleural effusion
• Relapse of infection
• Disseminated coccidioidomycosis
• Coccidioidomycosis meningitis
• Arthritis
• Rash
• Empyema
• Pneumonia
• Bronchopleural fistula
• Lung scarring (fibrosis)
• Lung cavities

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if coccidioidomycosis symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.

Call your health care provider if you have new symptoms.