- Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America - https://aafa.org -

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

Asthma

/ Asthma [1] / Asthma Triggers [2] / Other Health Conditions [3] / Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergy or sensitivity to a fungus found in soil known as Aspergillus fumigatus. In this condition, there is both an allergic and an inflammatory response to the mold [4].

Symptoms may include severe wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, much like asthma [1]. People with asthma are at a higher risk of getting ABPA.

The first sign of ABPA in people with asthma is a worsening of asthma symptoms. Other symptoms include:

  • Cough with brown flecks or bloody mucus
  • Fever
  • Weakness/malaise

ABPA may be treated with oral corticosteroids and possibly an oral anti-fungal medicine.

Medical Review [5] June 2019.