Mold is a type of fungi that grows in damp and poorly ventilated spaces. It is one of the most common allergy-causing substances. Aspergillus is a common mold that lives outdoors and indoors. Each of us is exposed to a few strains of this mold every day, and there are usually no problems. But in some individuals, they may cause an allergic reaction. Few Aspergillus strains can cause serious infection in people with weakened immune systems, lung disorders, or asthma when they inhale the spores released by the mold. The serious form of this infection is known as invasive aspergillosis, which happens when the infection begins spreading to blood vessels and beyond.
People taking immunosuppressant drugs, particularly after stem cell or bone marrow transplants or individuals who have blood cancers, are at an increased risk of invasive aspergillosis. People may experience symptoms and signs based on the organs affected. The general symptoms include chest or joint pain, headaches, eye problems, skin lesions, fever, chills, cough that brings up blood, and shortness of breath. Untreated invasive aspergillosis may be fatal.
It’s almost impossible to avoid exposure to this mold, but you can take steps to minimize the exposure. If you have undergone transplantation, are receiving chemotherapy, or are at the highest risk, it is best to stay away from places where mold is high, such as compost piles, construction sites, and buildings where grains are stored.
To minimize mold exposure, Keep the home well ventilated and dry. Include exhaust fans in the bathrooms and kitchen. Do not carpet basements and bathrooms. If you have any plants in your house, do not overwater as it can encourage mold growth in the soil. If you have any indoor pot plants, keep them outside the house. Avoid damp buildings and places that have damp woods, cut grass, and rotten leaves. Use filters in the air conditioner and vacuum cleaner to minimize the number of molds in the air. During humid months, use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels below 50%. Repair if you see any water leaks immediately.
The physician may order imaging tests, respiratory secretion (sputum) tests, tissue and blood tests, or biopsy to diagnose invasive aspergillosis. Isavuconazole is a fungal medication used to treat invasive aspergillosis. This drug is also used in the treatment of invasive mucormycosis. Isavuconazole stops the growth of the fungus by disrupting the biosynthesis of ergosterol (an important component of the fungal cell membrane).
Cresemba 200mg Injection is one of the products containing the active constituent isavuconazole. Your healthcare professional may prescribe Cresemba 200mg Injection if you have invasive aspergillosis or invasive mucormycosis. The other drugs useful in treating invasive aspergillosis are voriconazole, amphotericin, posaconazole, itraconazole, caspofungin, and micafungin.
