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Histoplasmosis - chronic pulmonary

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Chronic cavitary histoplasmosis

Treatment:

Antifungal medications are prescribed to control the infection within the lung. Itraconazole (by mouth) or amphotericin B (intravenously) is usually successful.

Expectations (prognosis):

The infection usually goes away with antifungal medication, but scarring inside the lung often remains. Many patients will still be sick due to their pre-existing lung disease.

Often times, those who have had chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis must follow up with their doctor, who will check for signs of relapse.  

In rare cases, a pulmonary histoplasmosis infection can spread through the blood to other organs. This is called disseminated histoplasmosis . People who have suppressed immune systems and very young children are more likely to develop this condition. If this occurs, the prognosis is less favorable.

Complications:

• Disseminated histoplasmosis
• Respiratory insufficiency
• Lung scarring (fibrosis)
• Pericarditis
• Arthritis

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis develop.

Call your health care provider if symptoms continue despite treatment, or if breathing difficulty or symptoms of disseminated histoplasmosis occur.

• Review Date: 2/27/2006
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, CriticalCare & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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