Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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.

Question 8

what is the definition or description of: histoplasmosis?

Accepted Answer

Histoplasmosis: Histoplasmosis =  respiratory disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum fungus.

Question 9

is it possible for a student to get histoplasmosis from living in a dorm room?

Accepted Answer

No: You generally get histoplasmosis outdoors, not indoors.

Question 10

when i was 5, i got histoplasmosis. what can you tell me about this condition?

Accepted Answer

Endemic areas: The fungus histoplasma capsulatum lives in the soil in the midwest and is acquired from spores when the soil is disturbed.  Even in the midwest, there are only a few cases per 100,000 people.  It affects the lungs and is curable.

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Doctor answers about:

Histoplasmosis signs

A member asked:

Is histoplasmosis painful?

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Is histoplasmosis heritary?

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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:

What are the maor risk factors for histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

Can a student get histoplasmosis from living in a dorm?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: histoplasmosis?

A member asked:

Is it possible for a student to get histoplasmosis from living in a dorm room?

A member asked:

When i was 5, i got histoplasmosis. what can you tell me about this condition?

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