Acute Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis

Acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, also known as valley fever, is an infection of the lungs caused by a fungus that lives in the soil of arid regions and is acquired by inhaling its spores.

Common causes: It is contracted by breathing in dust containing the fungus Coccidioides, common in dry regions; it is not transmitted from person to person.

Common symptoms: Cough, fever, fatigue, chest pain, and, at times, skin rashes, with a picture resembling a respiratory infection.

Which specialist treats it? The pulmonologist manages the lung involvement and the infectious disease specialist guides the management of the infection, in coordination with the internist. If you live in or have traveled to an arid area and have respiratory symptoms that do not improve, it is worth discussing it with a doctor for a proper evaluation.