Pulmonary candidiasis

Pulmonary candidiasis: etiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Pulmonary candidiasis is a rare disease caused by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida, which affects the bronchi and lungs. Although Candida fungi are saprophytes that live on human skin and mucous membranes, they can have a pathogenic effect when the body’s immunobiological defenses are weakened. Pulmonary candidiasis is a secondary disease that develops against the background of other diseases, such as bacterial and viral pneumonia, tuberculosis, suppuration and granulocytosis.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Pulmonary candidiasis usually develops in people with weakened immune systems, such as patients with chronic diseases, vitamin deficiency, or long-term use of antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Candida fungi, infecting the lungs, cause tenacious pneumonic foci with necrosis in the center and fibrinous effusion in the alveoli that surround the area of ​​necrosis. With a long course of the disease, the bronchial wall may become necrotic. The outcome of the disease can be the formation of purulent cavities or pulmonary fibrosis.

Symptoms and course

Symptoms of pulmonary candidiasis may include fever, shortness of breath, tachycardia, chest pain, painful cough with scanty mucous sputum, sometimes streaked with blood, and bronchospastic syndrome. Radiographs show spotty shadows, more intense areas of darkening, and less often pleural effusion.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of pulmonary candidiasis can be confirmed by identifying budding cells and fungal mycelium in sputum, feces, urine, or the growth of fungi inoculated on special media. A bronchoscopy and lung biopsy may also be performed for additional testing.

Treatment

Treatment of pulmonary candidiasis should be immediate and includes antifungal therapy. For mild forms of the disease, oral nystatin at a dose of 4,000,000-6,000,000 units/day in repeated 10-14-day courses with an interval of 2-3 weeks or levorin at a dose of 1,500,000 units/day in repeated 10-12-day courses with an interval between them 5-7 days. In more severe cases, amphotericin B can be used intravenously for 46 hours in a single dose of 250 units/kg (daily dose not more than 1000 units/kg) every other day or 2-3 times a week for 48 weeks, the total course dose 1,500,000-2,000,000 units. In addition, iodine preparations, vitamins C and B, and other restoratives are prescribed.

It is important to note that treatment for pulmonary candidiasis can be lengthy and should be carried out under medical supervision. It is also necessary to address factors that may contribute to a weakened immune system, such as chronic diseases or long-term use of antibiotics.

In conclusion, pulmonary candidiasis is a serious disease that can occur due to a weakened immune system. Diagnosis and treatment must be carried out in a timely manner and under the supervision of a physician. Following preventive measures, such as strengthening the immune system, can help prevent the development of pulmonary candidiasis.

Candidiasis is a disease caused by the fungus Candida albicans. There are two forms of this disease - external and internal. People often confuse the external form of candidiasis with thrush. In fact, they are different concepts. If in the first case, candidiasis affects the mucous membrane of the genital organs and genitourinary system, then in the second we are talking about pulmonary candidiasis, which develops as a complication with long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. To treat thrush, antibiotics are used, which reduce immunity and create conditions for the active proliferation of the fungus. Unlike the internal form of candidiasis of internal organs, the external form of the disease cannot be treated at home. Therefore, it is imperative to consult a doctor. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a specialist based on the patient’s symptoms, the results of a bacteriological examination of a smear and a blood test.

**How ​​is candidiasis transmitted?** The fungus that causes the disease actively manifests itself only when the conditions for the normal functioning of the human body are disrupted. Normally, the fungus is present in all people, but thanks to the work of the immune system, its vital activity does not manifest itself.

Pulmonary candidiasis (English: pulmonary candidiasis) is a disease caused by a fungus of the genus Candida, which affects the lungs and can lead to the development of pneumonia. Pulmonary candidiasis can occur as an independent disease or be a complication of other diseases, such as HIV, diabetes, tuberculosis and oncology.

Infection of the lungs occurs through the bronchi or through the blood. The fungus usually grows on the lining of the upper respiratory tract, causing a mild cough and mild hoarseness. As the disease progresses, a cough with sputum production and shortness of breath with difficulty breathing begins. Sometimes