Opening Statement:
On this day, people across the globe gather to learn about Aspergillosis, a little-known infection, and share their knowledge with others in hopes of preventing future cases and promoting treatment and research initiatives. Some Aspergillosis infections include: The severe acute respiratory syndrome (S.A.R.S.) outbreak that infected over 8,000 people across almost 30 countries and the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic that infected more than half a billion people worldwide.
History of World Aspergillosis Day
· Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a fungus usually found in mold. Although it’s common for people to breathe it in from the air, this fungus only affects those predisposed to lung complications, such as people with asthma, tuberculosis, and cystic fibrosis. It can also affect individuals undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from a recent organ transplant. In addition, this infection occurs in birds and has different intensities, ranging from a simple sinus infection to a chronic form of lung nodes.
· Uncomplicated infections can be treated and cared for using antifungal medication. However, chronic cases can only be treated with a high-risk surgical procedure that can result in death. Over half a million people die annually worldwide from complications related to Aspergillosis. The fungus ball in the lungs might not cause any symptoms and only be found through a chest X-ray, but in many cases, it may cause coughing, fevers, pain, and bleeding. If it goes untreated, Aspergillosis can spread to other organs and lead to liver and kidney failure.
· Sometimes, a patient needs to be kept in an environmental infection control room to reduce mold exposure, which can further worsen their condition. Some fungus variations or mutations might resist certain steroids, making treatment much harder. It’s important to schedule routine examinations and start treatment as early as possible to prevent complications.
How to Observe World Aspergillosis Day
· Make An Appointment
If you’ve felt any of the common first symptoms of Aspergillosis, this is probably the best day to schedule the doctor’s appointment you’ve been putting off for too long. A doctor can help you treat the infection before it gets too bad.
· Post About It
Share relevant information with all your friends and family on social media. The more people know about Aspergillosis, the more people can receive early treatment!
· Read About Aspergillosis
Understanding the disease is probably one of the best ways to observe this day. Do your research to learn all about it!
Why World Aspergillosis Day is Important
· It’s All About Health
Staying healthy and caring for our bodies are very important. Days like this remind us to keep in touch with our needs and listen to our bodies.
· It Raises Awareness
This day reminds us to search for and share more information about Aspergillosis, a disease we don’t often hear about. Being aware of such an infection makes it easier to identify the symptoms.
· It Keeps Us Learning
We should always strive for knowledge, especially when it involves learning more about our bodies and the threats we might face. Doing so helps us prevent worst-case scenarios.
Important Facts About Aspergillosis You Should Know
1. It Can Be Deadly
If left untreated over time, Aspergillosis can reach a stage where it’s so chronic that it cannot be treated.
2. It’s Treatable
Although it spreads fast, Aspergillosis is treatable with antifungal medication and sometimes even surgery to remove lung nodes.
3. It’s Pretty Uncommon
Even though we’re constantly exposed to mold in the air, it’s quite uncommon for people with no previous lung or immune complications to get infected.
4. It’s Hard to Diagnose
It can be diagnosed through X-rays, computed tomography (C.T.) scans, or blood tests, but it’s so similar to other lung conditions that it can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for a long time.
5. Treatment Can Take a While
Invasive forms of Aspergillosis can take up to three months to fully treat with antifungal medication before the patient is considered healthy.
Closing Statement:
While conducting my research on Aspergillosis, I learned the first signs are usually a fever, coughing blood, chest pain, headaches, and skin lesions. If any of these multiple symptoms occur, seek a medical professional as soon as possible. As far as treatment, Aspergillosis is normally treated using antifungal drugs, such as voriconazole and amphotericin B. If treated early, a person can live out their life, possibly need surgery, or undergo an organ transplant.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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