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[Asthma and its differential diagnoses]

Alexandra Bento1, Ana Maria Arrobas

  • 1Centro Hospitalar de Coimbra EPE, Serviço de Pneumologia, São Martinho do Bispo, 3000 Coimbra. alexitbento@gmail.com

Revista Portuguesa De Pneumologia
|October 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an immune disorder affecting the lungs, often complicating asthma or cystic fibrosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe lung damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity disorder caused by Aspergillus fungi.
  • It affects immunocompetent individuals, complicating approximately 7-14% of chronic steroid-dependent asthma and cystic fibrosis cases.

Observation:

  • The case involves a 41-year-old female with a childhood history of severe, difficult-to-control allergic asthma requiring long-term systemic corticosteroids.
  • Diagnosis of ABPA relies on integrated clinical, biological, and radiological findings.

Findings:

  • ABPA presents a wide spectrum of disease severity.
  • Prompt detection and aggressive management are key to preventing irreversible lung damage.

Implications:

  • Untreated or delayed ABPA can lead to debilitating lung disease, potentially necessitating lung transplantation.
  • Understanding ABPA's presentation in conditions like severe asthma is vital for timely intervention.

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