Valley Fever

Diagnosis

Diagnosing valley fever involves reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and results from specific tests. Because valley fever symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses such as pneumonia, identifying it accurately can be challenging. Even imaging tests like chest X-rays may not clearly distinguish valley fever from other lung infections.

To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare professional may recommend:

• Sputum smear or culture: A sample of sputum, the material coughed up from the lungs, is checked for the presence of coccidioides organisms.

• Blood tests: These tests detect antibodies in the blood that form in response to the fungus causing valley fever.

Other tests that may support diagnosis include:

• Imaging tests: Chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs can help detect pneumonia or other lung issues linked to valley fever.

• Lung biopsy: A small sample of lung tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm fungal infection.

• Skin test: This test can show if you had valley fever in the past, indicating immunity from future infection.

Treatment

In many cases, valley fever resolves on its own without specific medical treatment. However, some individuals may require antifungal medicines, especially if symptoms persist, worsen, or if they are at risk for complications.

Antifungal medicines commonly used include:

• Fluconazole (Diflucan): The most frequently prescribed antifungal for mild to moderate cases.

• Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura): Another option for similar infections.

For more serious infections, treatment options may include:

• Amphotericin B (Abelcet, Ambisome)

• Voriconazole (Vfend)

• Posaconazole (Noxafil)

• Isavuconazonium (Cresemba)

Possible side effects of antifungal medications can include:

• Upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Hair loss, dry mouth, and chapped lips (particularly with fluconazole)

For most people, recovering from valley fever once provides lifelong immunity. However, those with weakened immune systems may experience recurring infections. Even without treatment, healthcare professionals often monitor patients for at least a year to ensure no complications or relapse occur.