User:Mr. Ibrahem/Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic reaction to the fungus Aspergillus, after it has been inhaled. Symptoms may include wheezing, cough including coughing up blood, fever, tiredness, and weight loss. Complications may include bronchiectasis—a condition marked by abnormally dilated airways.

Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores without getting sick. Risk factors include asthma, cystic fibrosis, and being immunocompromised. The underlying mechanism involves inflammation due to an abnormal immune response which results in increased mucus production. The diagnosis may be supported by chest X-ray, CT scan, increased eosinophils, IgE levels of greater than 1,000 IU/mL, or a positive skin allergy test to A. fumigatus. It is a type of aspergillosis.

Treatment is generally with the antifungal medication itraconazole and corticosteroids such as prednisone. Other agents used may include amphotericin B and omalizumab. In about half of people the disease recurs and repeated treatment is requires. ABPA affects about 1 to 4 million people. It occurs in about 2% of people with asthma and up to 15% of people with cystic fibrosis.