Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: an Indian perspective
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. ashokshah99@yahoo.com
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|November 30, 2006
Summary
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an emerging lung disease in India. Early evaluation of asthmatics with Aspergillus sensitization is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of ABPA and associated allergic Aspergillus sinusitis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immunologically mediated lung disease.
- It is caused by hypersensitivity to Aspergillus antigens.
- ABPA is an emerging disease in India, with Aspergillus sensitization not uncommon in asthmatics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation, radiologic profile, lung functions, and immunologic studies of ABPA in India.
- To present data on Aspergillus sensitization in asthmatics.
- To highlight the association of ABPA with allergic Aspergillus sinusitis and aspergilloma.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data, radiological findings, pulmonary function tests, and immunological studies related to ABPA in India.
- Analysis of data on Aspergillus sensitization in asthma patients.
- Evaluation of the co-occurrence of ABPA with allergic Aspergillus sinusitis and aspergilloma.
Main Results:
- ABPA is an emerging disease in India, often diagnosed a decade after asthma onset.
- Radiological findings in ABPA can mimic pulmonary tuberculosis, leading to prolonged antitubercular therapy.
- Oral corticosteroids remain primary treatment, with itraconazole as an adjunct; concomitant ABPA and allergic Aspergillus sinusitis are increasingly recognized.
Conclusions:
- Asthmatic patients with positive Aspergillus skin prick tests require evaluation for ABPA.
- Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis should be excluded in these patients.
- Early diagnosis and management are essential for better patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
835
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
835
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.1K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.1K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.3K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.3K
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
3.0K
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
3.0K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
3.9K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
3.9K
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
1.8K
Transmission-based precautions are for patients infected or suspected to be infected (or colonized) with organisms posing a significant risk to others. The transmission precautions include airborne and protective environment precautions.
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
1.8K