Valley fever, also known as coccidioidosis, is an infectious disease most commonly caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis.
This disease is common in people who tend to play with the land, for example, because fungus spores are present in the soil and can spread through the air, reaching other people.
- Inhalation of spores can lead to simple symptoms.
- Such as fever and chills.
- This stage of the disease is called acute valley fever; However.
- If symptoms do not improve over time.
- There may be an evolution to the most severe form of the disease.
- Known as valley fever or disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
- In which the fungus is not limited to the lungs.
- But can reach other organs and cause more severe symptoms.
Normally, valley fever does not require specific treatment, as your symptoms improve over time, with only rest and abundance of recommended fluids, however, in the most severe cases, your doctor may recommend the use of antifungals, which are usually used for a period of 6 to 12 months.
The first symptoms of valley fever are une specific and may appear 1 to 3 weeks after the onset of infection, usually the symptoms of cocciidoniicosis are mild and do not require treatment, may be:
Symptoms of acute valley fever usually go away over time, but when it doesn’t, progression to the chronic form of the disease occurs, in which symptoms can be somewhat debilitating and may include:
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most severe form of the disease and occurs when the fungus affects other organs, such as bones, liver, spleen, kidneys and brain, for example, causing specific symptoms, such as the formation of nodules and ulcers and meningitis, so it is important that symptoms of this form of disease are identified as soon as possible in order to start treatment.
The fungus can infect people with spores, which are easily inhaled by humans because they can easily spread through the air because they are light. In addition, people who are in direct contact with the soil or in frequent construction environments are more likely to inhale spores. of the fungus.
Diagnosis of valley fever is made by a chest x-ray, to assess any lung damage that the fungus may cause, as well as laboratory tests such as blood formula and sputum tests to check for the presence of the fungus. Made.
Since the first symptoms of valley fever are mild and generally improve over time, it is recommended to rest and drink plenty of fluids, however, if symptoms get worse and therefore the most severe forms of the disease (chronic and widespread), the use of antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, itraconazole or amphoterin B, may be indicated by your doctor according to medical advice.