What is histoplasmosis?

This is an infection triggered by inhaling spores of fungus found in bat or bird droppings. This condition is adversely transmitted with airborne spores. Soil can also be contaminated by the droppings and transmit this disease. Though symptoms of histoplasmosis don’t manifest in most people after an infection, infants and people with compromised immune system will definitely show up severe symptoms. The disease can be very serious, when such high levels take effect; you need to seek treatment from a doctor.

Histoplasmosis symptoms
There are several types of histoplasmosis and vary from severe life threatening types to the mildest form. Most of the symptoms occur 3 to 17 days after being exposed to the carrying agents. Some of the effects include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Chest discomfort
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Dry cough

Rashes and joint pains can also effect with some people. Chronic histoplasmosis can develop in individuals with underlying lung diseases, they show symptoms such as weight loss and dry coughs that brings up blood.

When is the condition severe?
Histoplasmosis may mimic tuberculosis hence, a thorough diagnosis is critical. The condition is usually predominant with infants and individuals with a rather weak immune system. Disseminated histoplasmosis is typically fatal if not well treated. It affects major body organs like the skin, liver, mouth, central nervous system, and adrenal glands. If you have a weak immune system then a flu-like condition persist, you should seek medical treatment. When the symptoms are not well attended to, the victim may succumb to the condition.

What are the causes of the disease?
The reproductive cells of fungus (Histoplasma Capsulatum) are the major cause of the disease. Since the spores are exceedingly light, they become airborne whenever a contaminated material is disturbed. Histoplasmosis infections may recur to an individual who once had it. However, the infection will be a bit mild than the initial case. Rich organic damp soil harbors these deadly fungus. The dropping from bats or chicken and pigeon coops, caves, barns and parks need to be dealt with effectively.

The risk factors
The more you inhale the spores, the higher the chances of contracting the disease. Though histoplasmosis is not contagious, people at high risks of getting it include: poultry farmers, landscapers, gardeners, pest control workers, roofers, and farmers. Disseminated histoplasmosis is likened to older adults and infants because they have a weak immune system. Individuals with HIV AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer are also at risk as they have a compromised immune system.