*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Aspergillosis

How you get aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is usually caused by breathing in tiny bits of mould.

The mould is found in lots of places, including:

soil, compost and rotting leaves
plants, trees and crops
dust
bedding
damp buildings
air conditioning systems

You cannot catch aspergillosis from someone else or from animals.

Aspergillosis is rare in healthy people. Most people who breathe in the mould do not get ill.

You're usually only at risk of aspergillosis if you have:

a lung condition, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
a weakened immune system (for example, if you've had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy)
had tuberculosis (TB) in the past
had severe flu or COVID-19 and needed help breathing with artificial ventilation

Symptoms of aspergillosis

Symptoms of aspergillosis include:

shortness of breath
a cough - you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus
wheezing
a high temperature
losing weight without trying
feeling tired

If you already have a lung condition, your symptoms may get worse.

See a GP if:

you have a cough for more than 3 weeks
you have a lung condition that's getting worse or harder to control with your usual treatment
you have a weakened immune system and symptoms of aspergillosis

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you cough up blood

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

What happens at your appointment

It can be difficult to diagnose aspergillosis and may take time. A GP will check your symptoms are not being caused by something else, like a chest infection.

If they're not sure what's causing your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist for tests such as:

X-rays and scans
blood tests or tests on a sample of mucus
allergy tests
a bronchoscopy (where a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to look inside your lungs)

Treatment for aspergillosis

Treatment for aspergillosis depends on the type you have and usually aims to help control the symptoms.

If it's not treated or well controlled, there's a risk it could damage your lungs.

Preventing aspergillosis

It's almost impossible to completely avoid aspergillus mould.

But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting aspergillosis if you have a lung condition or weakened immune system.

Do

try to avoid places where aspergillus mould is often found, such as compost heaps and piles of dead leaves
open your windows several times a day to air your rooms, especially if you're cooking or using a shower
wear a face mask in dusty places or when you're gardening
consider using a dehumidifier and an air purifier with a HEPA filter at home
keep your house heated at between 18 and 21C in cold weather

Don't

do not dry your laundry in your bedroom or living areas, if possible - ideally dry it outside or in a tumble dryer
do not open your windows if there's construction work or digging outside

Find out more

Aspergillosis Patient and Carer Support

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.