Fungal diseases of the lungs. Treatment of a fungus in the human lungs with folk remedies

When affected by harmful fungi internal organs breath at the person the mycosis of lungs is diagnosed. This pathology is dangerous for the patient. Depending on the impact of fungi, mycosis is distinguished between primary and secondary. The disease is difficult to treat and affects, as a rule, a weak organism, which has reduced immunity. Often, mycosis occurs with prolonged antibacterial treatment or in the case of cancer cachexia. People of any age can become infected with mycosis of the lungs, including children.

General information

Mycosis of the lungs is considered a rare disease, but it does occur and requires serious consideration, since the pathology causes severe harm to the human body. The disease is caused by fungi called micromycetes. You can get infected with mycosis of the lungs at any age. Often, doctors diagnose pathology in children against the background of a weak immune system or with serious pathologies. In medicine, mycosis of the internal organ is classified into several types.

Varieties

Depending on the location of the pathology, the degree of flow and form, different types of diseases of the internal organs are distinguished. Pulmonary mycoses are primary and secondary. Other pathological processes do not contribute to primary mycosis. It appears on its own under the influence of a fungal infection. Mycosis of the secondary type is diagnosed when another disease is present in the lungs.

Secondary mycosis is preceded by a disease such as tuberculosis of the lungs.

The disease occurs together with the pathology of neighboring organs or can exist in isolation. In some cases, mycosis in the lungs occurs along with bronchitis or liver disease. Pathology is exogenous and endogenous. Endogenous mycosis manifests itself when the body is damaged by fungi of the genus Candida. This pathogenic microorganism is located on the mucous membrane of organs and manifests itself under certain conditions that are created in the microflora.

Mycosis of the exogenous type is transmitted by contact with an infected person or by inhalation of air and dust containing pathogenic agent. More often, fungi that enter the body do not pose a threat. healthy person. But with weak immunity, fungi settle on the tissues of the internal organ and infect the body.

Main reasons

The source of infection is the active manifestation of harmful fungi in the human body. In most cases, they enter the body and live there without causing harm. At healthy immunity, the absence of other diseases and in the case of a small amount of fungi, the disease does not manifest itself. Mycosis occurs under special conditions. The pathological process is preceded by such diseases:

• diabetes;
• accumulation of toxins in the body;
• HIV or AIDS;
• tuberculous disease of the internal organ;
• pneumonia;
• lungs' cancer;
• disturbed the immune system.

In some cases, athlete's foot occurs in a person who has responded to radiation therapy or taken corticosteroids and drugs that suppress the immune system. With suppuration or damage to lung tissue, infection is provoked. If a person takes antibacterial agents for a long time, then the healthy bacterial flora of the organ is inhibited, which leads to infection. Often, for this reason, the symptoms of mycosis appear in children. In this case, a violation of the intestinal microflora occurs in parallel.

Symptoms

When the lungs are infected with harmful fungi, they manifest different symptoms, depending on the degree of damage and concomitant diseases. In most cases, mycosis immediately makes itself felt and has vivid symptoms that are easy to notice. First of all, the patient begins to be disturbed by a cough with sputum, which resembles a bronchial lesion. There are such signs of pathology:

• pain in the chest;
• feverish state;
• coughing up blood;
• dyspnea;
• dry and wet wheezing in case of listening to the chest.

When infected with fungi, the patient has a rapid increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C.

A cough with bloody sputum may be a symptom of a fungal infection of the lungs.

In most patients, the color of the skin changes, its pallor is observed, and sometimes there is a bluish tint. Expectorant sputum will contain bloody issues, which indicates injury to the mucous membrane and lung tissues. In the acute course of the disease, the patient develops respiratory failure, it becomes difficult for a person to breathe. The disease is characterized by toxicosis and disturbed acid-base balance.

Diagnostic procedures

Before starting treatment for mycosis of the lungs, a thorough diagnosis should be made and the pathogenic fungus that infected the body should be identified. For this, the patient is prescribed to take sputum for mycological analysis, which is supplemented with a serological test. In some cases, the doctor gives a referral to the patient for an allergic skin test. Comprehensive diagnostics includes the following procedures:

• careful study of the working conditions of the patient;
• determination of the group nature of the disease;
• grade serological reactions organism;
• study of the atypical course of mycosis;
• examination of skin samples with antigens.

In the case of aspergillosis (a type of mycosis), the patient is sent for an x-ray examination. To confirm histoplasmosis of the lungs, a histological analysis and a smear-imprint for a biopsy are prescribed. When diagnosing the lungs, neighboring internal organs are examined for the presence of a fungus, since the disease spreads rapidly.

Treatment Methods

Mycosis of the internal organs should be treated only under medical supervision.

It is strictly forbidden to treat mycosis of internal organs on your own, such treatment will cause irreparable harm to health. The therapy is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician. Therapeutic measures affect the symptoms of the disease and eliminate the source of its occurrence. Depending on the type of disease, the stage of the course and the degree of damage, individual therapy is prescribed.

A fungus in the lungs is a rather rare phenomenon and is often confused with other serious pathological processes in the lung tissues. In fact, the fungus in the lungs is a dangerous disease that requires urgent treatment.

In advanced situations, it causes severe consequences and has a high mortality rate. Fungal infection of the lungs is difficult to determine, since its symptomatic manifestations are similar to tuberculosis and pneumonia, but the therapy is completely different and requires the use of completely different medications.

Fungal infection of the lungs is characterized by two main forms - actinomycosis and candidiasis. The cause of the first type is the microflora belonging to the genus Actinomyces, which is also called the radiant fungus.

Its spores act as saprophytes of a number of cereal plants:

• wheat;
• barley;
• rye.

Spores often enter the human body in combination with air masses, in which there is a significant dust part, which also contains actinomycetes. Also, there is a possibility of another way of infection - due to the entry of spores into the wound surface of the skin and the spread of mycelium through the bloodstream.

The video in this article will tell the reader about the dangers of the presence of fungus in the tissues.

Pulmonary candidiasis is provoked by a pathogen such as Candida, which is usually classified as conditionally pathogenic.

These fungi are found in the body of any person and in a normal state not only do not harm health, but also perform positive functions. However, when, due to adverse factors, the number of pathogenic microflora increases dramatically, Candida can cause significant harm to the body.

Causes

Fungal infection of the lung tissue is an intractable disease, which is often provoked by yeast fungi of the genus Candida (pictured). Normally, they are safe and live on the skin, but with a decrease in the immune function of the body, they begin to pose a danger.

The reasons for the decrease in immune function are the following:

• constant stressful situations;
• vitamin deficiency of the body;
• the use of antibacterial drugs.

Attention! Mycosis of the respiratory system is a danger to every person, regardless of his age category.

The following groups of patients are at the highest risk of getting such a lesion:

1. People who have been diagnosed with pathological processes of an oncological nature.
2. Patients suffering from HIV infections.
3. People who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, either congenital or acquired.
4. Persons suffering from tuberculosis.
5. Patients with pathological processes of the endocrine nature.

Also, people who have diseases of a chronic nature, especially the respiratory type, are at risk.

Symptomatic manifestations

Fungal infections of the respiratory organs starting stage manifested exclusively by bouts of coughing of an unproductive, that is, dry nature, which is common for a standard course colds. Further, when coughing, there is a sputum discharge with small patches of mucus.

After mycosis of the lung tissues, an increase in the overall body temperature occurs, breathing becomes difficult. The patient has attacks of shortness of breath and an increase in sputum volumes.

The sputum contains filamentous inclusions. It is difficult for a person to take a breath due to pain.

At the next stage of the pathological process, the presence of foci of abscess and thickening of the pleura is noted in the lungs.

Important! When tissues are affected by a fungus, there are pathological changes bronchial tree, there is a deformation of the ribs. The patient complains of increased pain intensity.

On the skin, the formation of fistulous channels and the release of purulent masses become noticeable. In pus, as in sputum, specialists in the analysis detect fungal spores. Fungi that have settled in the lung tissues are deployed in the lower section of 1 of the paired organs. Pathology develops over a long period of time and is in a state of constant progression.

Mycoses of the lungs are characterized by their own clear signs- the patient's condition after the use of an antibacterial series of pharmacological agents worsens, and wheezing is often not audible.

The symptoms of the fungus in the lungs at the initial stage are difficult to distinguish from the common cold and for this reason, the infection remains without the right treatment until the patient has pronounced symptoms, which are characterized by the following disorders:

• subcutaneous infiltrates;
• fistulous passages;
• the development of cachexia;
• intoxication;
• signs of exhaustion.

The main symptomatic manifestations at the initial stage of a fungal infection of the respiratory system are the following:

• coughing fits;
• dyspnea;
• sputum, often with an admixture of blood;
• increase in overall body temperature;
• increased work of sweat glands.

Manifestations are similar to tuberculosis infection, as well as pneumonia. But, untimely detection of pathology and neglected conditions are the cause of high mortality among patients.

Symptomatic manifestations of candidiasis of the lungs

The fungus Candida is a secondary infection, and manifests itself after inflammation of the lung tissues of a viral or bacterial nature has been transferred.

Important! The disease is expressed by areas of necrosis in the middle of the focus of inflammation, the occurrence and accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and damage to the bronchial walls. In the lungs, cavities with purulent contents appear or the lung tissues are replaced by connective tissues with the formation of a scar.

With candidiasis of the lungs, patients complain of the following negative manifestations of the body:

• general malaise;
• paroxysmal unproductive cough;
• dyspnea;
• feverish state;
• failure of the rhythm of the beating of the heart muscle;
• bronchospasm.

In order to eliminate symptomatic manifestations, patients are charged with taking antifungal agents, antibacterial drugs, antipyretic and pain medications. Also, in the course of treatment, it is required to reduce the amount of sweets, muffins, fatty foods consumed.

Symptomatic manifestations of aspergillosis

Symptomatic manifestations in aspergillosis are similar to candidal lesions of the lungs. Patients with sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and HIV-infected patients most often suffer from this.

Mold lesions of the lung tissues cause such manifestations as:

• anorexia;
• cough with purulent sputum;
• soreness of the chest area;
• increase in body temperature;
• hemoptysis;
• inhalation is accompanied by the occurrence of soreness;
• overestimated performance of sweat glands;
• lethargy;
• weakness.

Aspergillosis is located on the right in the lungs and is located in their upper part. In some cases, it is possible to develop pulmonary bleeding, which often leads to the death of the patient.

Important! Fungal microorganisms are able to infect nearby tissues, penetrate along with the blood flow into internal organs distant from the lungs.

Aspergillosis is characterized by rapid progression. In order to cure it, doctors use antifungal agents, steroids, and surgical debridement.

Diagnostics

Early diagnosis is required for therapy to be effective. Perform analysis of sputum secreted when coughing or necrotic masses from the fistulous canals.

Attention! Under a microscope, it is possible to examine the spores of the fungus that provoked a health disorder. The most reliable is considered to be bacterial culture of pus from the fistulous canals.

In order to establish the correct diagnosis if a fungal infection of the lung tissues is suspected, it is required to perform. This type of analysis provides an opportunity to identify the genus of fungi. Thus, not only the presence of fungi is detected, but also it becomes possible to select the optimal drug to combat them.

However, to diagnose a fungal infection of the lungs, with an implicit severity symptomatic manifestations is possible only with an integrated approach, which must necessarily include a study of blood, sputum, pleural fluid and lung tissues.

This is achieved through the following diagnostic measures considered in the table:

However, it should be noted that the use of radiography is not considered effective. diagnostic method in the case of a fungal infection of the lung tissues in the early stages of the course of the pathology, since there is a high probability of detecting chronic pneumonia, a tumor, or a tuberculosis infection. In the later stages, when deciphering an X-ray image, pathological changes in the ribs, bronchial tree and tares become noticeable.

According to the results of the diagnosis, a specific therapy regimen is selected, which is individual for each patient and depends on the indicators of his body and clinical picture the course of the disease. Treatment of fungus in the lungs can be carried out by an infectious disease specialist.

It is forbidden to make any attempts at treatment on your own, the process of therapeutic action should be supervised by a specialist. The cost of breaking this rule is extremely high.

Treatment methods

Treatment of fungal lesions of the lungs is often performed by intramuscular or subcutaneous injections of Actinolysate, which is an immunostimulant that increases the production of antibodies to infectious agents and reduces the intensity of inflammatory processes. The instruction implies 10-15 injections.

Also, antibacterial drugs may be prescribed to eliminate the bacterial flora and prevent secondary infection. All pharmacological agents selected based on the results of the analysis.

Subcutaneous infiltrates and abscesses are eliminated by surgical interventions and subsequent drainage of the pleural cavity to improve the outflow of necrotic masses. In severe lesions, a lobectomy is performed - the removal of a certain lobe respiratory organ. Also, physiotherapeutic procedures are shown - electrophoresis and UVR of the chest.

With timely therapy, the prognosis is positive. In the later stages, it is already difficult to achieve rehabilitation. Generalized infection can cause death.

One of the most dangerous types of mycotic infections is a fungus in the lungs. Damage to the internal organ often occurs due to weakened immunity or prolonged use of potent antibiotics. The treatment of this infection in the lungs is a long and complex process that requires a special approach to the choice medicines. If the patient decides to neglect traditional therapy, then a fatal outcome may await him.

Causative agents of the genus Candida quickly begin to multiply in a humid environment.

The causative agents of mycotic infection in the lungs are fungi different types. Most often, the disease is caused by pathogenic microflora, which belongs to the genus Candida. These microorganisms are found in the body of every person. In the absence of favorable conditions for their development, they do no harm to people. Sometimes this fungus even performs a useful function.

If the number of opportunistic fungi increases greatly, a person becomes ill. Causative agents of the genus Candida quickly begin to multiply in a humid environment. Favorable conditions for their development is an increased content of sugar in the body, as they love glucose.

The following reasons contribute to the development of pulmonary lesions:

1. Diabetes. The disease adversely affects the state of the immune system and blood flow in the lung. These factors increase the likelihood of developing a fungus;
2. Poisoning by poisons that are in the air. Toxic compounds that enter the lungs during inhalation disrupt the function of the protective system, and also injure the integumentary membrane of the internal organs;
3. Congenital immunodeficiency and AIDS. Diseases greatly inhibit cellular immunity. Because of this, lymphocytes fail to protect lung tissue from the negative effects of an aggressive environment;
4. Radiotherapy. Medical procedure used during the treatment of lung cancer. It inhibits the activity of not only malignant, but also healthy cells. As a result of this, the internal organ becomes susceptible to attack by pathogenic microflora, including fungus;
5. Antibiotics. Doctors prescribe to patients who are sick with chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, treatment with drugs of this drug group. As a result antibiotic therapy pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms are destroyed. It is these conditions that are necessary for the activation of fungi;
6. Systemic use of hormonal agents with anti-inflammatory action. They can suppress the immune system, thereby allowing fungi to actively multiply in the lungs.

All these factors create ideal conditions for the reproduction of the fungus in the internal organ.

Classification

Most often seek medical help with candidiasis and aspergillosis

Doctors distinguish a whole classification of different types of fungus in the lungs. It included the following diseases:

• Histoplasmosis;
• Aspergillosis;
• Candidiasis;
• Paracoccidioidomycosis;
• Cryptococcosis;
• Sporotrichosis;
• Blastomycosis.

Most often, men and women seek medical help with candidiasis and aspergillosis, in which infection of the lung tissue is observed.

Symptoms

A fungus in the lungs gives out symptoms characteristic of this pathological condition. The localization of the development of the infection affects the appearance of certain signs.

With mycosis of the lungs, patients are worried coughing. It is accompanied by the release of a large amount of sputum. There may also be complaints about severe pain in the region of the bronchi.

Due to the fungus in the lungs, a person constantly feels weak, his physical activity decreases.

The main symptom of pulmonary candidiasis is a debilitating cough.

Candidiasis, which affects the lung tissue, may appear as a complication after a systemic infection. It is often found after treatment with strong antibiotics for pneumonia, suppuration and pathologies of the oral cavity.

The main symptom of pulmonary candidiasis is a painful cough, in which a large amount of sputum is secreted. Also, an infectious disease is accompanied by such symptoms:

1. bronchospastic syndrome;
2. Dyspnea;
3. Feverish state;
4. Tachycardia;
5. Severe pain in the chest.

This type of fungus in the lungs in most cases leads to organ damage. gastrointestinal tract. With its development, the appearance of necrosis is not excluded. With candidiasis of the lungs, small bronchi are almost immediately affected. The fungus can simply grow through the wall bronchial tree. This phenomenon is only occasionally observed in the upper respiratory tract.

Aspergillosis

The lungs can be affected by mold-type fungi. Pathologies are usually experienced by people with HIV. Often, aspergillosis develops against the background of such serious diseases as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.

The symptoms of aspergillosis are not much different from the signs of pulmonary candidiasis. Mold that affects the internal organ, leads to the appearance chronic weakness, sweating and anorexia. The disease is also issued:

1. Expectoration of sputum with blood;
2. The appearance of zones of necrosis;
3. Suffocation attacks.

For such an infection, the upper right-sided location is characteristic. The disease can spread to the sinuses. In this case, spherical elements are formed in the affected area, which bring the patient severe discomfort.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of a fungus in the lungs - sputum analysis and radiography

Before making a diagnosis to the patient, the doctor must send him for a full examination. Diagnosis of a fungus in the lungs consists of procedures such as sputum analysis and x-rays. After latest study snapshot will be taken. If there is a pathology on it, the doctor will see specific rounded formations.

Laboratory tests allow you to determine the specific type of fungal pathogen that has settled in the patient's lungs. As soon as this stage of diagnosis is completed, the patient can begin treatment.

Treatment

A fungus that actively develops in the lungs belongs to severe types of mycoses. Its treatment involves the use of several drugs of different drug groups. At the discretion of the attending physician, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, immunostimulants and antimycotics that eliminate fungal infections. Such a regimen of therapy will cure a patient whose disease is in the early or advanced stages of development. It is worth noting that it is not so easy to get rid of complicated forms of pathology. How to treat a fungus of the lungs in a similar situation, the specialist will tell you.

With a fungus in the lungs, the following drugs are prescribed:

1. Antibiotics - "Erythromycin", "Amoxiclav", "Rifampicin".
2. Antimycotics - Diflucan, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Nystatin.
3. Immunostimulants - "Timogen", "Taktivin".

The selection of drugs should be handled by a qualified specialist. Self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited, since the patient will not be able to independently choose the optimal medicines for himself and combine them correctly. The same applies to the dosage of drugs.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine knows many remedies that help to cope with a fungal infection.

The main and symptomatic treatment of the fungus in the lungs offers alternative medicine. Alternative therapy, which fights the manifestations of the infection, can be used as an addition to the drug course. Having discovered the symptoms of the disease, you should not immediately begin to prepare homemade ointments and decoctions to eliminate it. Treatment, even folk, without fail is required to be agreed with the doctor.

Traditional medicine knows many remedies that help to cope with a fungal infection in the lungs. They effectively destroy pathogenic microflora at an early stage of the development of the disease. For these purposes, it is customary to use agents that have an immunostimulating effect. These include infusions and decoctions prepared on the basis of the following herbs:

• Thyme;
• Calendula;
• Adonis;
• Elder.

Home treatments for lung disease involve the use of compresses. They can be made from radish, which is heated and wrapped in several layers of gauze. Such a tool should be applied to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe respiratory tract.

Alternative methods of treating pulmonary mycosis are useful only at the very beginning of the development of the disease. It is also appropriate to use them as a prevention of the development of a fungal infection in the internal organ.

Complications with a fungus

Even a minor ailment is a serious reason to visit a specialist. Such a careful attitude to one's own health helps to detect the disease at an early stage of its development. And this has a positive effect on the success of recovery. If therapy is not started in a timely manner, the situation will only worsen, which will cause dangerous complications.

The development of a yeast-like fungus in the lungs can cause serious problems with breath. Mycosis will lead to swelling of the nasopharynx and mucous membrane of the internal organ, which greatly complicates the performance of this function by the body. The severe course of the pathological process can lead to suffocation and death.

Pulmonary aspergillosis is one of the most dangerous types of mycosis of the internal organ. At first, it may be asymptomatic. This is the difficulty of its detection. Even in the absence of signs of infection, the amount of fungus in the lungs will gradually increase. As a result of this, the patient will begin to worry about coughing up bloody sputum. The occurrence of internal bleeding, which can cause death, is not ruled out.

Prevention

To protect yourself from the development of a fungus in the lungs, it is enough to adhere to the rules for the prevention of this disease. Do it like this:

1. Caution should be exercised in public places where there is elevated level humidity. We are talking about gyms, swimming pools and baths;
2. With reduced immunity, the public places listed above should be avoided;
3. You can not bring dirty hands to your face. It is also highly undesirable to touch the mucous membranes with unwashed fingers;
4. Only personal belongings should be used. This is especially true for towels, clothes and shoes. This also includes toothbrushes and other body care accessories;
5. You should avoid visiting places where the fungus can live. These include dusty and old rooms, areas where there are rotting plants and dust.

The main measure for the prevention of fungal infections of the lungs and other parts of the body is personal hygiene. If a person does not begin to take care of his own health, then he will be able to avoid such diseases with great difficulty.

Most often infectious diseases respiratory tract are caused by viruses. These microorganisms are usually easily destroyed by our immune system, so SARS do not even require specific treatment.

More dangerous are bacterial infections - purulent bronchitis and pneumonia. In this case, it is difficult to do without antibacterial treatment. However, fungal infections are the most severe. This disease is commonly referred to as mycosis of the lungs.

Mycosis of the lungs is a group of various diseases that are united by the fact that they are caused by pathogenic fungi.

There are several principles for separating these diseases. First of all, mycoses are divided into primary and secondary. The first group includes diseases that first appeared in the unchanged lung. Secondary mycoses occur against the background of another disease, such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and so on.

Mycoses of the lungs are:

• Isolated - only the tissue of the respiratory organ is affected.
• Combined - simultaneous inflammation in other organs - the trachea, liver, and so on.

According to the origin of the microbe, they are distinguished:

1. Endogenous. In this case, the fungus enters the lung from another organ, where it is normally present, but when immunity is reduced, it causes illness.
2. Exogenous. Usually caused by absolutely pathogenic fungi that enter the lungs from the external environment.

Another division of mycoses involves the isolation of a specific pathogen, that is, the immediate cause.

Causes

Speaking about the mechanisms of development of mycosis of the lung, it is worth saying that for the appearance of the disease, not only the pathogen (cause) itself is necessary, but also additional predisposing factors.

The latter include:

1. Diabetes mellitus - with this disease, the immune system and blood flow in the lung suffer, so fungal diseases easily develop.
2. Air poisoning. In this condition, the protective system of the integumentary epithelium of the lungs is disrupted, so fungi easily cause inflammation.


3. AIDS and congenital immunodeficiency - these diseases lead to the suppression of cellular immunity. Lymphocytes cannot adequately protect the tissues of the organ, so fungi actively multiply.
4. Radiotherapy - often used in the treatment of lung cancer radiation therapy. In addition to tumors, this method of exposure also suppresses normal lung immune cells and can become a factor in the development of serious diseases.
5. Treatment with antibiotics - in the treatment of pneumonia, chronic bronchitis or other inflammatory diseases antibacterial agents are used. They kill not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria for our body. Under these conditions, fungi are activated.
6. Systemic use of hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs and cytostatics. Drugs depress the immune system and contribute to the development of fungal inflammation.

These conditions are factors in the development of the disease. Pathogenic fungi are the direct cause of mycosis. Most often the disease is caused by:

• Aspergillus.
• Candida.
• Actinomycetes.
• Coccidiums.
• Histoplasms.
• Cryptococcus.

Each of these microbes is unique, but mycoses also have common features.

Symptoms

Any fungal lung disease is easily confused with bacterial pneumonia. The manifestations of the disease are divided into general (intoxication syndrome) and local (catarrhal syndrome).

If a doctor suspects a fungus in the lungs, symptoms of intoxication are present quite often:

• Temperature increase. Fever develops gradually and rarely immediately has high temperature numbers, as with pneumonia.
• Weakness, fatigue, nausea are common symptoms of intoxication.
• Headache occurs due to fever and intoxication syndrome.
• Paleness of the skin, cyanosis - cyanosis of the skin.
• In severe cases, respiratory and cardiovascular failure is detected.
• Violations of the acid-base balance.

Local manifestations vary depending on the pathogen. Fungus of the lungs, symptoms of individual diseases:

1. Aspergillosis, mold: cough, hemoptysis, dry or moist rales in a separate zone of the lung. With the decay of aspergilloma, sputum or cough with abundant pus may appear.
2. Candidiasis: profuse cough with whitish sputum, often simultaneous fungal infection of the pharynx, tongue, trachea and bronchi.
3. Actinomycosis: cough with greenish sputum sharp pain in the lung. Damage to the intercostal nerves and ganglia.
4. Coccidioidosis: often a primary disseminated process, bilateral rales, cough, severe intoxication, extracellular foci of infection.
5. Cryptococcosis: subacute course, reminiscent of the tuberculosis clinic. Without additional methods diagnosis is difficult to diagnose.

The listed symptoms of individual diseases are not always found. Diagnostic methods help to deal with the problem.

Diagnostics

Fungal lesions of the lungs are diagnosed using laboratory and instrumental techniques.

Instrumental studies that help detect fungal lung diseases:

1. Radiography is the simplest and most common method of diagnosing the disease. In the lung pattern, foci of darkening are noticeable, which have specific features for each type of infection.
2. CT scan - The best way detect fungal infection of the lungs. This method has the highest reliability and high resolution. Allows you to take pictures in layers different levels lung.
3. Bronchoscopy - the introduction of the camera into the lumen of the bronchus. During the manipulation, not only the respiratory tract is visible, but also a piece of tissue is taken for microbiological examination.

Mycosis of the lungs help to suspect and laboratory methods diagnostics:

• In a general blood test, the usual signs of inflammation are found.
• Biochemical analysis of blood and general analysis urine do not have specific changes.
• The key place is occupied by microbiological diagnostics. Sputum culture or bronchoscopy material allows you to accurately identify the pathogen.
• For the diagnosis of certain diseases, PCR techniques and serological studies are used.

When the diagnosis is made and the causative agent of the disease is found, the doctor can begin specific treatment.

Treatment

The mistake of adherents of self-treatment is the use of exclusively symptomatic, folk or antibacterial agents in the treatment of mycosis. The use of antibiotics will only harm the patient with this disease. To eliminate the cause of the disease, specific antifungal drugs are used:

1. Aspergillosis is treated with levorin, amphotericin B, amphoglucosamine. If the focus of infection is organized in the form of aspergilloma, then it must be removed surgically using lung resection.
2. Candidal lesions are treated exclusively conservatively with levorin and amphotericin.
3. Actinomycosis of the lungs has a specific treatment. For this, sulfonamides, penicillin, streptomycin and other drugs are used.
4. Coccidioidosis is treated with amphotericin, amphoglucamine, ketoconazole.
5. Histoplasmosis is most often treated with amphoglucamine.

If a specific pathogen could not be identified, the most widely used antifungal drugs are used.

Symptomatic treatment is carried out using the following means:

• Antipyretic - with an increase in temperature of more than 38.5 degrees.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - for chest pain.
• Bronchodilators - in the presence of an obstructive component and shortness of breath.
• Mucolytics - to thin sputum and relieve coughing.
• Antitussives - with a dry, unproductive cough without sputum.

An individual treatment plan in each case is selected by the attending physician.

Folk remedies

Among our population, methods are extremely common folk treatment. This method of therapy is acceptable in the absence of contraindications and a threat to the life of the patient. With fungal infections, folk remedies can be used, but only as a symptomatic method of treatment and together with drugs prescribed by a doctor.

The following recipes help to alleviate the condition:

1. Collection of black elderberry, fennel and angelica. Facilitates general state and helps to expel mucus.
2. Hemlock, walnut, celandine and colchicum in the collection. Remove intoxication, expand bronchi, improve immunity.
3. Nettle decoction helps with canidemia. It is taken orally one glass three times a day.

Apply the above and more folk recipes only after consultation with a specialist.

Prevention

There are no specific measures for the prevention of fungal diseases of the lungs. Unfortunately, no vaccines have been developed against these microorganisms.

To prevent infection you need:

1. Treat respiratory diseases only after a full diagnosis.
2. Apply antibiotics in short courses and targeted against a specific microbe.
3. In the treatment of corticosteroids and cytostatics, regularly conduct x-rays of the lungs.
4. Do not skip fluorography 1 time in 2 years.
5. Time to treat chronic diseases respiratory organs.
6. Eat right, stay outdoors, avoid hypothermia.

Simple rules of prevention help to avoid a serious illness.

A fungal infection, called mycosis, can affect the human body not only from the outside, but also inside. Against the background of weakened immunity, as well as long-term treatment antibacterial drugs passive infection of internal organs occurs. The most common and dangerous disease considered candidiasis. After all, it is the fungus in the lungs, the symptoms of which are similar to other types of pulmonary ailments, that threatens with serious pathologies of the respiratory system. Moreover, the treatment of candidiasis is a very difficult process.

Features of pulmonary candidiasis

The causative agent of lung disease is a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. Despite the fact that microorganisms are permanent inhabitants of human skin and mucous membranes, under certain conditions their moderate amount begins to increase rapidly.

As a result, fungi enter the blood and lungs, causing the development acute form primary candidiasis, with the transition to the secondary stage, the disease becomes chronic. A person of any age can face a dangerous illness, but most often the symptoms of infection threaten due to the following factors:

• With weakened immunity;
• Due to prolonged treatment with antibiotics or steroids;
• With diabetes;
• Due to HIV infection, oncology;
• With a depressive state, as well as beriberi.

The spread of infection with blood flow to all organs occurs when the permissible norm of fungi in the body is exceeded. Detection of fungal spores in the respiratory tract against the background of dry cough, weakness and pain behind the sternum indicates mycosis of the lungs.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an x-ray of the lungs followed by a sputum examination. This is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease in order to prescribe an effective drug.

Often, a fungus of the lungs (candidiasis) is the result of a bacterial or viral pneumonia, tuberculosis, or an abscess. In the course of the development of the pathology, the bronchi are damaged, fluid accumulates in the alveoli, and in the foci inflammatory process symptoms of necrosis appear.

Important: a dangerous result of fungal infections is the formation of pus-filled cavities in the lungs, as well as scarring of the connective (lung) tissues. Therefore, for any problems with the respiratory system, consultation with a specialist and a thorough examination are important.

Complexity of symptoms

A characteristic feature of the disease of pulmonary candidiasis is the colonization of fungi in the lower space of the lung. At initial stage disease fungal spores are in the respiratory tract along with trapped saliva, signaling signs of simple pneumonia. Then the infection with blood and lymph spreads to other organs, which leads to the development of a secondary form of the disease with more serious manifestations.

The development of pathology is accompanied by symptoms of a common cold or bronchitis, in addition to dry cough, sputum with mucus is formed. With damage to the lung tissues against the background high temperature the body appears shortness of breath with shortness of breath, but often with the complete absence of wheezing when listening to the lungs.

This condition is accompanied by an increase in the volume of secreted mucus of a reddish-yellow hue due to blood inclusions. A sign of pulmonary candidiasis is also considered a signal pain while inhaling or coughing.

In order not to confuse the fungus in the lungs with other pathologies of the respiratory organ, you should carefully consider the following characteristic symptoms:

• The appearance of high body temperature;
• Pain behind the sternum, especially when coughing;
• Increased sweating at night;
• palpitations with shortness of breath;
• Difficulty breathing, accompanied by wheezing;
• Persistent cough with much sputum and traces of blood.

Fungus in the lungs is especially dangerous for children younger age. Treatment of acute or septic form of pulmonary candidiasis in small child associated with certain difficulties, can even lead to death.

Types of lesions by type of pathogen:

1. Candida albicans - the causative agent of candidomycosis;
2. Actinomyces bovis - the culprit of actinomycosis;
3. Trichomycetes - causes the development of streptomycosis;
4. Blastomyces dermatitidis is the causative agent of blastomycosis;
5. Aspergillus fumigatus - contributes to the development of aspergillosis;
6. Histoplasma capsulatum - the culprit of histoplasmosis;
7. Coccidioides immitis is the causative agent of coccidioidomycosis.

The course of the disease in adults is very severe, and the treatment is protracted, because sometimes there is no relief from taking antibiotics. Therefore, an important point in the diagnosis is the study of sputum for the presence of the Candida fungus, since an X-ray of the lungs reveals symptoms of only severe changes.

Therapy Methods

Comprehensive treatment, including medicines and traditional medicine recipes, will be effective.

Traditional

Treatment of a fungus that has colonized the bronchopulmonary system is a responsible but lengthy process. In extreme cases, shown surgical intervention with a long recovery period.

Priority drugs for the treatment of pulmonary candidiasis are antimycotic medicines eliminating intoxication. From the extensive list of antimycotics, Nystatin is most often used, as well as Levorin.

In severe fungal invasions, drugs are administered intravenously, supplementing the therapy regimen with inhalations with sodium salts of these drugs.

An important clarification: fungal diseases are not treated with traditional antibiotics. However, the combination of antifungal antibiotics with antimycotics is considered the most effective. Immunostimulants, multivitamins are connected to the complex therapy scheme, a special diet is prescribed with the restriction of simple carbohydrates.

Popular drugs

Help of traditional medicine

Treat mycosis of the lungs alone folk remedies unacceptable, since inaction or improper treatment threatens with irreversible changes in the tissues of the respiratory system. Home treatment should be in addition to drug therapy, bringing recovery closer when using the following recipes:

With timely access to a doctor, the right methods diagnostics for the appointment of adequate treatment of fungal invasions, you can not be afraid of the appearance of complications of the disease. Otherwise, the risk of developing sclerosis or fibrosis, respiratory failure, even sepsis increases. With advanced pulmonary candidiasis, the threat of death is real.

To get a qualified medical care treatment of the fungus takes place in a hospital where it is possible to carry out artificial ventilation of the respiratory system. To save yourself from the threat of dangerous problems with the lungs, you should not self-medicate.

You should take care of your health, not neglecting the rules of personal hygiene. It is also important to contact a specialist in time if you suspect any type of fungal infection.