Chronic Cavitary Histoplasmosis

Chronic cavitary histoplasmosis is a form of this fungal lung infection in which cavities form in the lung tissue and the symptoms persist over a prolonged period.

Common causes: It results from inhaling the spores of a fungus present in soils contaminated with bird or bat guano; the cavities tend to develop in lungs that already had some structural damage.

Common symptoms: A persistent cough, sometimes with blood, is common, along with difficulty breathing, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

Which specialist treats it? The pulmonologist is the one who studies the lung involvement, with the support of the dermatologist when there are signs on the skin. When a prolonged cough is accompanied by weight loss or coughing up blood, the prudent thing is for a professional to carry out a detailed evaluation.