Histoplasmosis is caused by fungus found in river valleys. In the US, histoplasmosis occurs most often in people living along the Mississippi River, Ohio River, and rivers in the Eastern states. There are two forms: acute and chronic histoplasmosis. Although many people with chronic histoplasmosis have no symptoms, some develop flu-like symptoms with cough, fever, aching muscles, and even chest pain. Sometimes the ensuing histoplasmosis infection causes pneumonia. In people with a weakened immune system, histoplasmosis infection may spread to the spleen, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract.
Histoplasmosis can cause calcification of the lymph nodes and tissue in the center of the chest and surrounding the airways. This can cause strictures of the airways or major blood vessels (calcific mediastinitis or fibrosing mediastinitis).
How is histoplasmosis treated?
Acute histoplasmosis can be effectively treated with an antifungal medication. Chronic histoplasmosis may require surgery to bypass blocked blood vessels, or the calcified lymph nodes may be removed to open the airway.
Make an appointment now, or call 216.444.6503 or toll-free 800.223.2273 Ext. 4-6503 to schedule an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic pulmonary physician.
