After being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and put on the corticosteroid course, a 50-year-old patient returned to the hospital and reported the deterioration of his condition. Chest X-ray revealed several cavitary lesions with shadows defined by the practical nurse as fungus balls, also known as aspergillomas. Aspergillosis is a disease caused by Aspergillus, a mold fungus that exists everywhere in clothes, shoes, or furniture. A person with a weakened immune system or a respiratory problem is at risk of this infection (Jenks & Hoenigl, 2018). In this case, the patient has COPD, and his immune system could be damaged by corticosteroid administration, which decreases lymphocyte counts and provokes the inability of the body to resist bacteria and viruses. There are several types of aspergillosis, depending on the location of the lesion, symptoms, and past medical history.
Regarding the fact that the condition of the patient worsens and corticosteroids do not prevent the disease, it is necessary to create another effective pharmacological treatment plan. Antifungal medications are usually appropriate to manage the infection and help the patient stabilize. In most cases, Voriconazole, 200 mg every 12 hours, is recommended (Jenks & Hoenigl, 2018). If this drug cannot be taken because of some reason, Isavuconazole, Posaconazole, or Caspofungin should be considered and discussed with a healthcare provider in terms of their dosage and side effects. In addition, regular observations are required to check the patient’s condition and the outcomes of the chosen treatment. Depending on the severity and progress of aspergillosis, medications should be taken in about one week. Still, the doctor has to examine the patient’s condition and make a decision about the duration and intensity of treatment methods.
Reference
Jenks, J. D., & Hoenigl, M. (2018). Treatment of aspergillosis. Journal of Fungi, 4(3). Web.