Abstract

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a rare form of asthma that is most common in corticosteroid-dependent asthmatic patients and cystic fibrosis patients. It is caused by an abnormal T-helper class 2 response of the host to Aspergillus antigens. Although signs and symptoms of typical asthma are usually present with ABPA, unusual features such as fever, expectoration of brown plugs, and central bronchiectasis with or without mucoid impaction on chest radiographs may be present. ABPA is important to diagnose because inadequate therapy may lead to permanent lung destruction. Corticosteroids are the drug of choice for ABPA; however, the doses required are often greater than for routine asthma and corticosteroid dependence is not unusual. Azole therapy appears to have an adjunctive role in treatment in terms of improving signs and symptoms of the disease and demonstrating a corticosteroid-sparing effect.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.