Fungal diseases of the lung Home A-Z Health Information Health Library A-Z Fungal Diseases of The Lung Overview Fungal diseases of the lung are caused by various types of fungi and can range from mild to severe. Causes and Risk Factors Histoplasmosis: Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, typically found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe lung infections.Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever): Caused by Coccidioides species, common in the southwestern United States. Symptoms include cough, fever, and chest pain.Blastomycosis: Caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, often found in moist soil and decomposing organic matter. It can cause symptoms such as fever, cough, and weight loss.Aspergillosis: Caused by Aspergillus species, found in soil, decaying vegetation and dust. It can cause a range of conditions from allergic reactions to severe infections in individuals with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised).Cryptococcosis: Caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, commonly found in soil and bird droppings. It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals and can lead to severe lung and central nervous system infections.Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP): Caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, it mainly affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as in those with HIV/AIDS.Mucormycosis: Caused by fungi belonging to the order Mucorales. It is a very rare but serious infection that often affects immunocompromised individuals and can cause severe lung damage. Diagnosis Diagnosis typically involves imaging-based techniques like chest X-rays or CT scans, as well as laboratory tests such as fungal cultures, serology and molecular methods. Treatment Treatment often includes antifungal medications and addressing any underlying conditions that predispose the patient to infection.