Aspergillosis is usually caused by breathing in tiny bits of mould.
The mould is found in lots of places, including:
- soil, compost and rotting leaves
- plants, trees and crops
- dust
- bedding
- damp buildings
- air conditioning systems
You cannot catch aspergillosis from someone else or from animals.
Aspergillosis is rare in healthy people. Most people who breathe in the mould do not get ill.
You're usually only at risk of aspergillosis if you have:
- a lung condition, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- a weakened immune system (for example, if you've had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy)
- had tuberculosis (TB) in the past
- had severe flu or COVID-19 and needed help breathing with artificial ventilation
Symptoms of aspergillosis include:
- shortness of breath
- a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus
- wheezing
- a high temperature
- losing weight without trying
- feeling tired
If you already have a lung condition, your symptoms may get worse.
See a GP if:
- you have a cough for more than 3 weeks
- you have a lung condition that's getting worse or harder to control with your usual treatment
- you have a weakened immune system and symptoms of aspergillosis
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you cough up blood
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
It can be difficult to diagnose aspergillosis and may take time. A GP will check your symptoms are not being caused by something else, like a chest infection.
If they're not sure what's causing your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist for tests such as:
- X-rays and scans
- blood tests or tests on a sample of mucus
- allergy tests
- a bronchoscopy (where a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to look inside your lungs)
Treatment for aspergillosis depends on the type you have and usually aims to help control the symptoms.
If it's not treated or well controlled, there's a risk it could damage your lungs.
It's almost impossible to completely avoid aspergillus mould.
But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting aspergillosis if you have a lung condition or weakened immune system.
Do
try to avoid places where aspergillus mould is often found, such as compost heaps and piles of dead leaves
open your windows several times a day to air your rooms, especially if you're cooking or using a shower
wear a face mask in dusty places or when you're gardening
consider using a dehumidifier and an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home
keep your house heated at between 18 and 21C in cold weather
Don't
do not dry your laundry in your bedroom or living areas, if possible – ideally dry it outside or in a tumble dryer
do not open your windows if there's construction work or digging outside
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