Guide To Treating Coccidioidomycosis

Every year, ten thousand patients in the United States are diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis, though the numbers may be higher since this condition can easily be mistaken for another. Commonly known as Valley fever, coccidioidomycosis is an airborne infection caused by inhaling Coccidioides, a fungus found in many soils. Both Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii produce spores that can infect humans and lead to a variety of health complications and clinical symptoms ranging from respiratory problems similar to pneumonia to headaches, joint and muscle pain and a fever.While sixty percent of individuals with coccidioidomycosis will experience minimal or no symptoms, forty percent will display some signs of an infection. Infections range from mild to severe, and there are a variety of treatment options available to those affected by the disease.

Rest

The majority of patients infected with Valley fever don't require emergency treatment or medical care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), most patients' bodies fight off the infection and symptoms clear up within a few months. However, individuals with compromised or suppressed immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting the illness and experiencing worse symptoms.

During an infection period, plenty of downtime is required to ensure the body can work hard at fighting off the disease. Rest aids the body's natural defense processes. When you rest, your body can redirect its energy toward fighting off any infection or illnesses.

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Antifungal Medication

No over-the-counter medications can treat coccidioidomycosis. Receiving a definitive diagnosis from a doctor is the first important step. Typically, patients are given antifungal medication like fluconazole for three to six months. In mind to moderate cases, itraconazole or fluconazole can treat the illness effectively. Patients who experience more severe symptoms are often given amphotericin B, which is an injection only used to treat potentially life-threatening fungal infections.

There are many amphotericin B side-effects like high blood pressure, fever, nausea, and vomiting that can appear within the first several hours. Patients should discuss the risks and potential complications with a doctor before their first treatment. They'll receive injections every two to six hours, though actual the duration of treatment will vary.

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Treating Infections

In severe cases of coccidioidomycosis, patients can develop chronic respiratory infections or disseminated infection. A disseminated infection can spread throughout the body, usually through the skin, bones, or soft tissues.

Patients with severe Valley fever can develop skin and recurrent pulmonary lesions. Treating these infections may require hospitalization as there is a high risk of severe coccidioidomycosis developing into meningitis, an often fatal illness.

While most patients are asymptomatic, diagnosing and treating coccidioidomycosis as soon as possible is vital to prevent the worsening of symptoms and spread of infection. Some individuals who develop chronic lung problems take years to fully recover, so it's important to start an antifungal medication, and any other recommend treatments a doctor recommend immediately.

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Drinking Plenty Of Fluids

Staying hydrated helps the body fight off infections. Drinking enough water every day is important whether we're sick or not, but during periods of infection, hydration can help boost the immune system. Being sick takes a lot out of individuals whether they realize it or not. While many coccidioidomycosis patients won't be bedridden or suffering from debilitating symptoms, it is still an infectious disease that requires extra work from the body's immune system. Drinking plenty of fluids will help patients stay alert and allow the body to work as it should. Many individuals who don't drink enough water already struggle more when they fall ill due to their body's processes being slowed down by dehydration.

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Prevention Tips

The epidemic area for coccidioidomycosis is the southwestern United States and regions of South and Central America. Individuals who visit certain parts of Mexico may also risk infection. Thankfully, following some prevention tips can reduce the risk of exposure and infection.

To avoid Valley Fever, individuals should stay inside during dust storms and close windows. Wind and dust storms can spread coccidioidomycosis spores through the air. If you are going to be gardening, farming, riding ATVs, or coming in contact with any soil that could be contaminated, wear an air filtration mask to decrease exposure. Always thoroughly wash off after coming in contact with soil or dust to reduce the risk of skin infection, especially if any wounds or injuries exposed to the elements are sustained.

Coccidioidomycosis is a treatable fungal infection that simply requires vigilance on behalf of the patient. The greatest risk of infection is for immunocompromised individuals. This could be someone who has had an organ transplant, a patient with HIV/AIDS, or someone taking medications that weaken their body's defenses like corticosteroids. Pregnant women, diabetics, and certain ethnicities, such as those of African or Filipino descent also demonstrate higher infection rates.

If you suspect you've come in contact with these spores, schedule an appointment with a doctor. They may place you on preventative medications, or they can take a blood sample to determine whether or not you've been infected. In most cases, patients respond well to treatment and can expect to recover fully.