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Coccidioidomycosis - chronic pulmonary    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

San Joaquin Valley Fever; Desert Rheumatism

Treatment

Antifungal medications are prescribed to treat the infection. The intravenous antibiotic, Amphotericin B, is used for severe forms of disease. Itraconazole and fluconazole are oral antibiotic options with activity against this fungus. Ketoconazole is another option, but appears less effective. Treating any underlying immunocompromised state (such as AIDS) and minimizing immunosuppressant medications (such as steroids or chemotherapy) is also crucial if the patients immune system is to properly fight the coccidiodomycosis fungal infection.

Prognosis

With treatment the outcome is usually good although relapses may occur. Some patients, such as those who are immunocompromised (from AIDS or immunosuppressing drugs) may need life-long anti-fungal medication to prevent relapse.

Complications

• pleural effusion
• relapse of infection
• coccidioidomycosis; disseminated
• coccidiodomycosis meningitis
• arthritis
• rash
• empyema
• bronchopleural fistula
• lung scarring (fibrosis)
• lung cavities

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if coccidioidomycosis symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.

Call your health care provider if new symptoms develop.

Ency. home > Disease > C > Coccidioidomycosis - chronic pulmonary

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