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Aspergillosis

How you get aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is usually caused by breathing in tiny bits of mould.

The mould is found in lots of places, including:

You cannot catch aspergillosis from someone else or from animals.

Information:

Aspergillosis is rare in healthy people. Most people who breathe in the mould do not get ill.

You're usually only at risk of aspergillosis if you have:

  • a lung condition, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • a weakened immune system (for example, if you've had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy)
  • had tuberculosis (TB) in the past
  • had severe flu or COVID-19 and needed help breathing with artificial ventilation

Symptoms of aspergillosis

Symptoms of aspergillosis include:

If you already have a lung condition, your symptoms may get worse.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you have a cough for more than 3 weeks
  • you have a lung condition that's getting worse or harder to control with your usual treatment
  • you have a weakened immune system and symptoms of aspergillosis

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you cough up blood

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

What happens at your appointment

It can be difficult to diagnose aspergillosis and may take time. A GP will check your symptoms are not being caused by something else, like a chest infection.

If they're not sure what's causing your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist for tests such as:

Treatment for aspergillosis

Treatment for aspergillosis depends on the type you have and usually aims to help control the symptoms.

If it's not treated or well controlled, there's a risk it could damage your lungs.

Treatments for common types of aspergillosis
Common types Treatment

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis or ABPA (an allergy to aspergillus mould)

Steroid tablets and antifungal tablets

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis or CPA (a long-term lung infection)

Long-term (possibly lifelong) treatment with antifungal tablets

Aspergilloma (a ball of mould in the lungs, often linked to CPA)

Surgery to remove the ball if it's causing symptoms, often after antifungal treatment

Invasive pulmonary aspergillus or IPA (a life-threatening infection in people with a weakened immune system)

Antifungal medicine given directly into a vein in hospital

Preventing aspergillosis

It's almost impossible to completely avoid aspergillus mould.

But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting aspergillosis if you have a lung condition or weakened immune system.

Do

  • try to avoid places where aspergillus mould is often found, such as compost heaps and piles of dead leaves

  • open your windows several times a day to air your rooms, especially if you're cooking or using a shower

  • wear a face mask in dusty places or when you're gardening

  • consider using a dehumidifier and an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home

  • keep your house heated at between 18 and 21C in cold weather

Don’t

  • do not dry your laundry in your bedroom or living areas, if possible – ideally dry it outside or in a tumble dryer

  • do not open your windows if there's construction work or digging outside

Information:

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Page last reviewed: 19 April 2024
Next review due: 19 April 2027