Fungemia is an infection of the lungs caused by fungus, the most common being Aspergillus and Candida albicans. One in three patients who develop fungal infections will develop lung complications; 75% of which are considered fatal if not treated properly.
Fungemia presents with symptoms similar to those found in bronchitis, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing and increased heart rate.
What is fungemia?
Fungemia is a serious infection caused by fungi. It can occur in anyone, but is most common in people with weakened immune systems. The most common cause of fungemia is candida albicans, a type of yeast that is normally found in the gut.
Other types of fungi that can cause fungemia include aspergillus, zygomycetes and cryptococcus. Fungemia is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by fungi. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for the best possible outcome.
This condition can occur in people of any age, but is most common in young children and older adults. The most common symptom of fungemia is fever, but other signs and symptoms may include chills, tiredness, body aches, or a rash.
If you think you or your child may have fungemia, it’s important to see a doctor right away for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Fungemia symptoms:
The most common symptom is fever, but other symptoms can include chills, fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea. If you think you might have fungemia, it’s important to see a doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment.
Fungemia is treated with antifungal medications, which can be given intravenously or orally. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
Surgery is done in an operating room where the person will be under general anesthesia and monitored closely by medical staff.
Antibiotics are also prescribed if there are signs of bacterial infections as well as antifungal medications to treat the fungal infection.
Treatments for fungemia:
There are a variety of treatment options available for fungemia, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, antifungal medications may be prescribed. If the infection is more serious, you may need to be hospitalized and receive intravenous antifungal medication.
Surgery may also be necessary to remove any infected tissue. In most cases, fungemia can be effectively treated with prompt medical care. Antifungal medications are often used, but surgery may be required in certain situations.
If not treated quickly, this type of blood infection can lead to organ failure or death. Fungemia is very rare in adults and children, who are at higher risk from other types of fungal infections. However, it is still possible for adults to develop fungus that enters the bloodstream.
Fungemia develops when there’s an invasion of Candida albicans (a type of yeast) into your bloodstream. It typically occurs because Candida overgrows in another part of your body such as the vagina, bladder, mouth or esophagus.
Symptoms include fever, chills and a rash all over the body. Your doctor will use lab tests to diagnose the condition by looking for signs of C. albicans in your blood.
Treatment includes using antifungal medication either orally or intravenously; however if the fungi has caused damage to organs then surgery may be necessary.
Diet for fungemia infection:
A healthy diet is important for everyone, but it’s especially important if you have fungemia. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help boost your immune system and fight off infection.
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy in your diet. Limit sugary drinks and foods high in saturated fat to help keep your body as strong as possible.
If you’re not sure what types of food are best for your health, talk with your doctor or nutritionist about what will work best for you.
It might also be helpful to avoid drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes when you have fungemia because they make the condition worse. Smoking tobacco makes blood vessels more fragile and less able to resist infections.
Alcohol depresses the immune system, which may lead to an increased risk of fungal infections. In addition, smoke from cigarettes can trigger allergic reactions in people who have asthma or other breathing problems.
For people with diabetes who also have fungal infections, certain medications may need adjustment as well. People with diabetes often take medication that increases the amount of sugar in their bloodstream. These drugs interfere with antibiotics that control fungi.
It’s very important to tell your doctor right away if you take any medication that affects blood sugar levels such as insulin, sulfonylureas (like Glucotrol), biguanides (such as Metformin), thiazolidinediones (such as Actos) or alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (such as Precose).
Diagnosis:
Fungemia is a serious infection caused by fungi. It can occur in anyone, but is most common in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of fungemia include fever, chills, and confusion. If left untreated, fungemia can be fatal.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best possible outcome. A doctor will typically order blood tests to confirm a diagnosis.
In some cases, other diagnostic procedures such as bronchoscopy or endoscopy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment options depend on the severity of the infection and other medical conditions that might affect an individual’s response to certain medications. Treatment may include intravenous antibiotics, antifungal medications (such as amphotericin B), or surgery if there is an infected area that needs to be removed (such as bone).
Antibiotics
If you have fungemia, it’s important to start treatment right away with a powerful antibiotic. Fungemia can be caused by different types of fungi, so your doctor will need to do some tests to figure out which type you have.
Once they know that, they can prescribe the best medication. The most common antifungal medications are amphotericin B, fluconazole (Diflucan), and ketoconazole (Nizoral). Some people may also get an infusion of antifungal drugs directly into their bloodstream (intravenous therapy).
These treatments work well for serious cases but won’t work if there is no chance of getting them into the bloodstream. Sometimes doctors use Caspofungin or Micafungin instead. These medicines come in pills or intravenous solutions.
They’re taken once every other day until you feel better or your fever goes down below 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
Treatment can last from one week to three months depending on what kind of fungus you have. You might be able to take oral prescription-strength antifungals like Diflucan after the infection clears up.
Chemotherapy
Fungemia can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial.
Chemotherapy is the most common treatment for fungemia, and it can be very effective if the infection is caught early. In addition to antibiotics, antifungal medications may also be prescribed. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action depending on your specific situation.
A high fever; shortness of breath; rapid heart rate; low blood pressure; confusion or disorientation
red patches with small blisters that break open and ooze clear fluid when scratched. Symptoms include cough, chest pain and sputum production in those with pulmonary disease, diarrhea in those with gastrointestinal disease, and sore throat in those with oral disease.
Diagnosis is typically made through biopsy of skin lesions or respiratory secretions using laboratory testing such as culture or direct microscopy.
Conclusion
While fungemia can be a serious infection, it is often treatable with medication. If you think you may have fungemia, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can start treatment and avoid any complications.
Related articles:
- Brain-eating amoebas: Everything you need to know!
- Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis): Causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatments
- Tuberculosis: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, BCG vaccine and treatment
- Henipavirus: Symptoms, causes, transmission, outbreak, and treatment
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV): What is it and how can you protect yourself?