Rare Pediatrics News
5 Facts you should know about
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)
1
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus colonizing the airways, primarily affecting individuals with asthma or cystic fibrosis
2
ABPA presents with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and production of thick mucus, mimicking asthma exacerbations or pneumonia
3
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical symptoms, radiological findings (such as infiltrates or mucus plugging on chest imaging), elevated IgE levels, eosinophilia, and positive skin prick tests or specific IgE to Aspergillus antigens
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Treatment includes oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation during acute exacerbations and antifungal therapy in some cases, along with managing underlying conditions like asthma or cystic fibrosis
5
Long-term management aims to prevent exacerbations through regular monitoring, optimizing asthma control, and minimizing exposure to Aspergillus spores in the environment
Rare Pediatrics News
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