Aspergillosis is an infection that mostly affects your lungs or sinuses. However, any organ or system in your body can be involved. It is caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus called Aspergillus Fumigatus. It is a common fungus that grows on soil, plant debris and rotting vegetation in the autumn and winter. Occasionally, the fungus is found inside buildings, especially in air conditioning systems and hospitals.

Most people are either naturally immune to the spores of Aspergillus Fumigatus, or have a sufficiently healthy immune system to fight the infection. However, if you have an allergic reaction to the spores and or have lung problems or a weak immune system you are particularly susceptible. Both adults and children can be affected.

There are 3 types of aspergillus infection which are described below.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), also known as pulmonary aspergillosis, is the most common fungal respiratory disorder. It occurs when the aspergillus fungi colonise the bronchi (the two branches that the trachea divides into as it enters your lungs). The fungal spores trigger an asthma-like allergic reaction, reducing the efficiency of the air passages of lungs (bronchioles). It causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. You are most at risk from ABPA if you are aged 20-40 and have asthma.

Aspergilloma , sometimes referred to as a pulmonary mycetoma, is the growth of the fungus in a pre-existing lung cavity that has been caused by a lung disease such as tuberculosis, abscess, or sarcoidosis. The spores of the fungus collect in balls called aspergilloma and cause coughing, shortness of breath and bloody sputum (phlegm). This can also occur in your sinuses.

Invasive aspergillosis is a serious lung infection that affects people who have a weakened immune system, for example, as a result of AIDS, chemotherapy, or cystic fibrosis. It causes a pneumonia-like infection that, as well as affecting the lungs can spread to other areas of the body such as the eyes, heart, kidneys and brain.