Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic
lung disorder. It is related to the fungus (AF). Aspergillosis
can also occur as: - A lung infection that can spread to other
parts of the body (more common in patients with suppressed
immune systems) A fungal growth ( aspergilloma) in a lung cavity
that has healed from a previous lung disease or infection ABPA
is caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled AF. AF is a common
fungus. It grows and flourishes in decaying vegetation, soil,
certain foods, dust, and water. The allergic reaction worsens
respiratory symptoms in people with cystic fibrosis. The inhaled
AF colonizes mucus in the lungs, causing: - Sensitization to AF
- Recurring allergic inflammation of the lungs - Packing of the
alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) with eosinophils (a type of
white blood cell involved in certain allergic reactions and
infections with parasites) Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media,
Inc. A risk factor is something that increases your chances of
getting a disease