Question 1

what is histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Fungal infection: Histoplasmosis is an infection that is seen in people from the Midwest, caused by a fungus in the soil.  It is also associated with bat droppings and bird droppings, so people cleaning roofs, renovating buildings, turning over soil in the Ohio and Mississippi river areas are at risk.  It is extraordinarily rare in New York.

Question 2

is histoplasmosis painful?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: In general it is an infection, especially in the lungs, lymph nodes, speen and much of this can be  painless. If there is  bone or  joint invovlement then there can be  painful. Even lung invovlement can be  painful at time. Control of the infection can control the pain. It is found more often in some areas  of the country like the ohio and mississippi river valleys.

Question 3

is histoplasmosis heritary?

Accepted Answer

No: Histoplasma is a dimorphic fungus that exists as a mold in the environment and a yeast in humans.  Everyone in the endemic areas for the fungus is equally susceptible to be exposed but there may be different susceptibility for the symptoms and risk for spread outside the lung.  Certainly genetic factors in certain ethnic groups can predispose to dissemination in coccioidomycosis, another fungus.

Question 4

can histoplasmosis be cured?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Mild forms of the disease usually resolve on their own without treatment (most cases), disseminated cases can be treated with itraconazole (a pill) or Abelcet (amphotericin b lipid complex) (an IV anti fungal), usually with good success.  Treatment may last as long as 6 weeks depending on the severity of the illness.  Rarely, surgical excision of infected lymph nodes is needed if there is obstruction of a vital organ or perf.

Question 5

what are the tests for histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Lab Testing: The diagnosis of histoplasmosis can be complicated depending upon the area of the body that is affected.  Testing is not usually necessary for mild cases.   

In more serious or life-threatening cases, the diagnosis may be confirmed by:  culturing lung secretions, blood tests immunologic titers, biopsies of the affected tissue (lung), or bone marrow aspiration.

Question 6

what's your opinion on treating histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Don't (usually): Histoplasmosis is almost always a self limited disease. While we have excellent drugs to treat it, they should be reserved for people who have symptomatic disease or those with severe immune compromise (chemotherapy, hiv, , transplants or other immunosuppressive treatments). Most histo is only discovered by accident, and in those cases, treatment provides no help and can have side effects.

Question 7

how long should it take to cure histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Histo.: In some areas of the country almost half the population has lung nodules detectable on a ct and histo gets blamed for many of them, with or without proof. It is self limited, and usually requires no treatment.  When treatment is necessary, it usually goes for several months. Rare exceptions in people who are very immunocompromised may take much longer.

Question 8

what, if any, are the symptoms of histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis: About 90% of infections caused by h. Capsulatum are asymptomatic (produce no symptoms). Occasionally, a few asymptomatic patients will show small scars in lung x-rays. Symptomatic people often develop fever, chills, dry cough, malaise, sweats, and abdominal pains about three to 14 days after exposure.

Question 9

what are the maor risk factors for histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Location: Location (where you live) is what gets you exposed to histo. Histo usually only gets you sick if you are immunosuppressed, or if you have a very large exposure.  Most adults have been exposed throughout their lifetime without any consequences other than maybe a benign spot on your chest x-ray.

Question 10

can a student get histoplasmosis from living in a dorm?

Accepted Answer

Not Contagious: Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling small spores found usually in soil that have become airborne.  The fungus grows best in soil that has been contaminated with bird manure or bat droppings (caves).

Histoplasmosis is not contagious.  It is not transmitted from an infected animal or person to someone else.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Histoplasmosis in dogs

A member asked:

What is histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

Is histoplasmosis painful?

A member asked:

Is histoplasmosis heritary?

A member asked:

Can histoplasmosis be cured?

A member asked:

What are the tests for histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

What's your opinion on treating histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

How long should it take to cure histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

What, if any, are the symptoms of histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

What are the maor risk factors for histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

Can a student get histoplasmosis from living in a dorm?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?