Overview
Fungal infections of the lungs, such as aspergillosis, can affect people with weakened immune systems, existing lung disease, diabetes, or after severe infections. They can mimic other conditions and need careful diagnosis.
Specialised testing distinguishes fungal disease from bacterial infection, TB or cancer, allowing the correct antifungal treatment.
Common symptoms
- Persistent cough, sometimes with blood
- Fever not responding to usual antibiotics
- Breathlessness and chest discomfort
- Symptoms in people with low immunity or chronic lung disease
How I can help
Imaging, blood tests and bronchoscopic sampling for diagnosis
Identifying and addressing underlying immune or lung conditions
Targeted antifungal therapy with monitoring
Interventional procedures where complications arise
Frequently asked questions
Who is at risk of fungal lung infections?
People with weakened immunity (from chemotherapy, transplants, long-term steroids or uncontrolled diabetes) and those with existing lung damage such as old TB cavities or COPD are most at risk.