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Blastomycosis - Treatment

Alternative Names

North American blastomycosis; Gilchrist's disease

Treatment:

Medicines may not be needed for a blastomycosis infection that remains in the lungs, unless it becomes severe. When the disease is severe, or when it spreads outside of the lungs, the following medicines (anti-fungals) may be prescribed:

  • Itraconazole
  • Fluconazole
  • Ketoconazole

Amphotericin B may be used for severe infections.

You should follow-up regularly with your doctor to make sure the infection doesn't return.

Expectations (prognosis):

Patients with minor skin sores (lesions) and relatively mild lung infections usually recover completely. If the infection is not treated, it can become severe enough to cause death.

Complications:

  • Large sores with pus (abscesses)
  • Return of the infection (relapse or disease recurrence)
  • Unpleasant side effects to drugs such as amphotericin B

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of blastomycosis occur.

  • Reviewed last on: 7/26/2006
  • Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.