Valley fever is an infection triggered by the Coccidiodes fungus. This fungus is typically present in soil and dust in certain parts of southwestern United States and parts of Central America, Mexico and South America.
The spores are likely to form in wet, warm soil after a period of heavy rainfall. The spores are stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil such as farming, wind and construction. An individual can acquire valley fever by inhaling these tiny, airborne fungal spores.
A fungal infection generally starts in the lungs. In rare instances, it can even spread to the entire body. Some might also develop a chronic form of valley fever. This simply means that the symptoms can occur recurrently for extended periods of time.
What are the indications?
Many individuals who are exposed to the Coccidiodes fungi do not experience any symptoms. Once the symptoms arise, they manifest within 1-3 weeks after the initial exposure. The indications of valley fever often resemble the flu. Nevertheless, they tend to vary based on the severity and type of valley fever acquired. The symptoms also depend on the overall health status of the individual who acquires the disease.
Acute
An acute case is the most prevalent form of valley fever. It triggers symptoms that are the same as the flu or common cold. The usual indications include:
- Headache
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Painful rash
- Joint pain
Most of the acute cases of mild. The symptoms eventually settle within a few weeks. In some cases, though, the infection can become more severe and progress into the disseminated or chronic form.
Disseminated
This is the most serious form of valley fever but it is rare. It occurs if the fungal infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body including the bones, skin, brain, liver, heart and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Once these organs are infected, the indications become severe. Depending on the body parts involved, additional symptoms might also arise such as:
- Swollen and painful joints
- Skin ulcers
- Diminished appetite
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Changes in the mental state including confusion and irritability
Chronic
The infection is considered chronic if it does not settle completely. The symptoms might recur repeatedly or persist for long periods of time. The indications include:
- Chest pain
- Low grade fever
- Blood-streaked sputum
- Cough
Management
The treatment for valley fever might include home care, medications or surgery depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Home care
Many cases settle without treatment. Home treatments are recommended by the doctor to speed up the recovery time. The measures usually include:
- Bed rest
- Increased intake of fluids
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Medication
If the symptoms do not settle with home remedies, the doctor might prescribe antifungal medications to eliminate the fungus. These drugs are also utilized to manage the chronic or disseminated form of valley fever.
Surgery
In rare instances, surgery might be needed to get rid of the infected parts of the lungs. This is usually done for those with chronic or severe cases.