Have you heard about Valley Fever? If not, then use this blog to learn some useful information about it.
According to the statistics, Valley fever cases tripled from 2014–2018, and 2018–2022, with 7,000 and 9,000 cases reported yearly. Valley fever is caused by a fungus named coccidioides, which grows in the soil of places with low rainfall, mild winters, and hot summers.
Hey, wait! There is much more to know about valley fever. Scroll down and get to know about the symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by the inhalation of spores from the soil-dwelling fungus, Coccidioides. Both Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii cause the infection.
The report estimated in 2019 that there were 20,003 cases of Valley fever reported. Older people aged over 60 in Arizona and California were highly affected.
The fever is associated with a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe respiratory problems, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Some people who are exposed to the fungus, Coccidioides, do not show any symptoms.
Symptoms of Valley Fever
Symptoms of valley fever vary widely from person to person. It usually appears weeks to months after infection. Most people don’t even realize that they are infected. However, some people who are exposed experience more severe symptoms for more than a week that can require medical care.
Common symptoms include:
- High temperature
- Night sweats
- Muscle pain and joint aches
- Rashes
- Cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Loss of appetite
In some cases, the infection can become worse and can turn into chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. This attacks the lungs and shows symptoms that are similar to tuberculosis. Listed below are some of the commonly reported symptoms of chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis.
- Bleeding while coughing
- Chronic cough
- Weight loss
- Pain in the chest
- Trouble breathing
Diagnosis of Valley Fever
Diagnosing valley fever can be quite challenging as it resembles the symptoms of respiratory viruses. So, doctors cannot diagnose just by identifying the symptoms. If the doctor suspects valley fever, a specific diagnostic test will usually be done through a blood test or tissue sample.
Diagnostic test options include the following:
Blood Tests
These tests help in detecting the antibodies against the fungus. Other tests like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) urine tests are also available.
Sputum Smear Tests
To check the presence of coccidioides, a sputum sample is taken directly from the lungs, trachea, or bronchi, and a testing process will done.
Valley Fever Treatment
Treatment may involve antifungal medications in severe cases, but most infections resolve on their own without specific intervention. There are some preventive measures for valley fever that you can follow. Let’s take a look at them.
Self-Care and Monitoring
Individuals experiencing mild symptoms of the fever can just rest and keep themselves hydrated. However, patients are advised to monitor their conditions and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Antifungal Medications
In moderate to severe cases or for individuals with compromised immune systems, antifungal medications, fluconazole, itraconazole, or amphotericin B are prescribed. The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s response to the medication.
Follow-Up Care
Patients undergoing antifungal treatment require regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor progress, manage any potential side effects of medications, and adjust treatment as needed.
Supportive Measures
Additional treatments, such as oxygen therapy and respiratory support, may be necessary for severe respiratory cases to help patients manage breathing difficulties.
Must read: Breathing Exercises Can Lower Blood Pressure!
Prevention Measures
Though valley fever can attack normal people, it can be severe in individuals with weak immune systems, pregnant ladies, and diabetic patients.
Some of the easy ways to prevent :
- Avoiding exposure to dust, especially during activities “such as” digging or construction
- Wearing a mask in dusty conditions helps reduce the risk of inhaling the spores
- Staying indoors during dust storms
- Washing hands and clothes regularly if exposure to dust is unavoidable
- Keeping windows closed and using air conditioning to filter dust
- Using insect repellent to prevent bites from insects that can carry fungal spores
Putting It Together
We hope you have come to know that valley fever is a serious fungal infection that can have potentially severe consequences if left untreated. Always remember your health is your top priority. Do contact medical professionals if you suspect any of the symptoms we have discussed.
Happy living!
