Can influenza cause lung "mold"? Changsha Fourth Hospital reminds: Seek medical attention in these cases

Food can get moldy, but have you ever heard of the lungs getting moldy? Moreover, this kind of "mold" is extremely destructive to the lungs, and can cause cavities in the lungs in a short period of time, which is quite difficult to treat.

Mr. Jia is 64 years old and suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which causes him to cough, expectorate and have difficulty breathing all year round. Not long ago, after catching a cold, Mr. Jia's cough and expectoration became significantly worse, and he also developed a high fever, with the highest temperature reaching 39.5℃. After examination at a local hospital, it was considered to be influenza A and pneumonia. However, after three days of infusion treatment, Mr. Jia not only did not get better, but his symptoms of difficulty breathing became more and more serious. His family quickly sent him to the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Changsha Fourth Hospital .

When he was admitted to the hospital, the examination showed that Mr. Jia had severe lung infection and respiratory failure. In order to identify the cause as soon as possible, the doctor immediately arranged for him to have an electronic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to check for pathogens. Finally, the "real culprit" was found: influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA). The doctor quickly adjusted the treatment plan, and Mr. Jia's condition gradually stabilized. He has now recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

Ouyang Hui, director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and chief physician , said that the hospital has recently received several patients with influenza-related pulmonary aspergillosis, all of whom recovered and were discharged after treatment. Ouyang Hui reminded everyone that during the influenza season, everyone must pay attention to protection and seek medical attention in time if respiratory infection symptoms occur.

So what is influenza-related pulmonary aspergillosis? Who is susceptible to infection? How to pay attention to and prevent it? Director Ouyang Hui shares with you the relevant knowledge about influenza-related pulmonary aspergillosis.

1. What is influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis?

Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is a serious pulmonary complication caused by influenza virus infection, which is caused by Aspergillus fungi invading the lungs. That is, the viral infection destroys the barrier function of epithelial cells, and Aspergillus enters the lung parenchyma and grows invasively, causing the patient's lung infection to worsen and the condition to deteriorate.

Clinical manifestations include fever, cough, dyspnea, etc. Pulmonary imaging shows pulmonary consolidation, patchy shadows, ground-glass shadows, etc. Pathological examination can further confirm the diagnosis.

2. What situations are prone to infection?

1. Influenza A virus infection is one of the more common causes of secondary Aspergillus infection.

2. Patients with underlying diseases, including immunosuppressive states and chronic respiratory diseases, chronic liver and kidney diseases, diabetes, solid tumors, hematological tumors, etc.

3. History of glucocorticoid use.

3. What are the hazards?

1. Aggravation of influenza symptoms: In addition to the common symptoms of influenza (high fever, cough, body aches), breathing difficulties and hemoptysis may also occur. The symptoms will progressively worsen, and the overall condition will deteriorate more rapidly and may even be irreparable.

2. Increase the difficulty of treatment and the burden on patients: Antiviral and antifungal treatments are required at the same time, and even respiratory support treatments such as endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are required, which prolongs hospitalization and increases the economic burden on patients.

4. How to prevent IAPA?

1. Vaccination: Annual influenza vaccination is an important means to prevent influenza and reduce the risk of IAPA.

2. Personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes with your hands to reduce the chance of contact with viruses and fungi. During the peak influenza season, try to avoid crowded places as much as possible. If you must go there, it is recommended to wear a mask properly.

3. Improve immunity: maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, and get enough sleep. For patients with chronic diseases, actively control underlying diseases and improve the body's overall disease resistance.

Director Ouyang Hui once again reminded everyone that if patients with underlying diseases have their condition abnormally aggravated after contracting the flu, and their condition has not improved after receiving active anti-flu treatment, they must seek medical attention in a timely manner.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Huang Min from Changsha Fourth Hospital

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(Edited by Wx)