What Are the Symptoms of a Mold Lung Infection?
The symptoms of mold in the lungs depend on the type of fungus that is inhaled but may include chest pain, coughing and night sweats, explains HowStuffWorks. Though many mold infections heal on their own, some can spread to other organs and even become fatal.
One type of mold infection is caused by the histoplasmosis fungus, claims HowStuffWorks. Symptoms of this infection include coughing, chest pain, fever, fatigue and hoarseness. Other symptoms are weight loss, night sweats and joint pain. This fungus is diagnosed by conducting an antibody test on the infected tissue or by running a culture.
Aspergillosis fungus is another cause of a mold lung infection, states HowStuffWorks. Symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties, night sweats and headache. People who have this infection may also cough up blood or have a fever. This is also diagnosed by running an antibody test or culture on the tissue.
The most serious infection is caused by the coccidiomycosis fungus, according to HowStuffWorks. This fungus causes lesions in the lungs that spread throughout the body. It is important that this infection is diagnosed and treated before it spreads from the lungs. Once this fungus is treated and clears up, the patient becomes immune to the fungus. The reason this happens is not known.
