Aspergillosis

How a provider diagnoses aspergillosis depends on your symptoms and health history. Imaging like X-rays or CT scans, tests of fluid or tissue, and allergy tests all help to diagnose various forms of aspergillosis. Its symptoms look similar to many other illnesses, so your provider may need to do additional tests to rule out other conditions.

What tests will be done to diagnose aspergillosis?

Tests a provider may order to diagnose aspergillosis include:

Allergy tests. Your provider may order blood or skin tests to diagnose allergic or chronic forms of aspergillosis.
Biopsy. Your provider may take samples of tissue or fluid to test for signs of an Aspergillus infection.
Blood tests. A blood test can help diagnose invasive aspergillosis early in people who have severely weakened immune systems.
Culture. Your provider may take samples of your body fluids — such as blood, mucus (sputum), or fluid from around your lungs, brain or spinal cord — and try to grow Aspergillus from it.
Imaging. Your provider may use X-rays or CT scans to look for signs of Aspergillus in the area of your body they think might be infected.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.