Coccidioidomycosis- Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

What is Coccidioidomycosis?

Coccidioidomycosis is an infection of the lungs and skin caused by inhaling the dust particles of the fungus coccidioides immitis found in the soil of certain arid parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America, resulting into excessive sputum and nodules. It can also affect internal organs, joints, bones, or upper respiratory tract. Coccidioidomycosis can be mostly seen in older boys and men, and in pregnant women and it is usually seen at the adult age.

Coccidioidomycosis is also called by the names : valley fever, California valley fever, San Joaquin fever, desert fever, Posadas-Wernicke disease, San Joaquin valley fever, coccidiosis.

Causes of Coccidioidomycosis

• Inhalation of dust particles of the fungus coccidioides immitis
• Outdoor activities such as construction, landscaping, mining, agriculture
• Natural disasters such as earthquakes or windstorms
• Weakened immune system such as AIDS patients

What are the symptoms of Coccidioidomycosis?

• Cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Chest and joint pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Inflammation of eyes and joints
• Appearance of painful, red skin rashes, or nodules on lower legs called erythema nodosum
• Damage to the lung
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Ankle, feet, joint, and leg swelling
• Excessive sweating

CoccidioidomycosisTreatment

• Because it is an easy going disease, bed rest is mainly recommended.
• For severe cases and pregnant woman, antifungal agents such as amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole(oral), or itraconazole may be effective.
• Antibiotics can be prescribed to prevent further infection.
• Steroids may be used to treat the patients with vasculitis.