Understand Histoplasmosis and Its Causes



Histoplasmosis is a lung infection that is caused by the dimorphic fungi called Histoplasmacapsulatum. The pores of Histoplasmacapsulatum are found in the feaces of bats and other birds. These pores can easily be inhaled or when someone eats food that has been contaminated by the feces of this animal. Histoplasmosis is not a dangerous disease, and sometimes it heals on its own, but it can be severe in immune-compromised people. It can spread to other parts of the body leading to formation of skin nodules and necrotic tissue.

Signs and Symptoms of the Disease

When you inhale the pores, the symptoms do not manifest quickly. In fact, little spores might not cause any signs and symptoms, but as you keep on inhaling the spores, the condition increases in severity. You will first have fever due to inflammation as your body is trying to fight back the pathogens. A dry cough will follow owing to the irritation of the trachea and lungs. Chest pain and difficulty in breathing are common because the alveoli are compromised. This can cause a lot of discomfort to the infected. Red bumps on the legs and sometimes excessive sweating could occur.

Types of Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is categorized as either acute or chronic. In acute histoplasmosis, the patient suffers for less than two weeks, and he or she can recover with little or no treatment. Most of these patients are the ones that inhale the spores for only once. Acute histoplasmosis does not lead to complications, and when people recover, there are no chances of relapse. Chronic hisptoplasmosis on the other invade many parts of the body because the spores penetrate a lot of organs. As a result, the patients feel extremely weak, and the treatment could last longer than expected. People who inhale the spores regularly end up having a chronic infection.

Other Health Conditions That Could Arise

People who get infected should seek medical interventions immediately. They need to ensure that the spores are degraded by use of antibiotic drugs and other pain relieving drugs. When left untreated, it could lead to meningitis, heart function defects, and adrenal problems. People with HIV should be careful because their bodies don’t have the ability to fight the spores back and this can lead to serious health effects. To avoid complications, make sure that you remove the causative agent that is around you.

To prevent yourself from histoplasmosis, make sure that you prevent bats and birds from living around or within your home. When you get food or fruits that you suspect to have contacted feces from bats or birds, wash them first before you eat them. It is important that you install measures to prevent bats and birds from entering your home because they could easily drop the spores in your house.

To conclude, histoplasmosis is a lung infection that is caused by Histoplasmacapsulatum spores. It is normally acute and self-limiting, but when you continue inhaling the spores, you could end up getting a chronic infection.

Read the How to get rid of bats page for helpful information and to learn more about Understand Histoplasmosis and Its Causes

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