What causes Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)?

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 asthma or 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)

Healthy Alveoli

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