Pulmonary Candidiasis

Pulmonary candidiasis is a common pulmonary mycosis caused by Candida (mainly C. albicans). Usually secondary under reduced host resistance. Three types: bronchial, pneumonic, allergic. Candidiasis = 79% of fungal infections; high in ICU/burns/oncology.

Common Symptoms

Mucopurulent sputum; lung rales

Causes and Pathogenesis

Candida commensal on skin/mouth/GI; endogenous infection when immunity drops. Hospital cross-infection; indwelling catheters/mucosal ulcers. Primary lung or part of hematogenous spread. Diet. Pathogenesis: inhalation of oral/upper-airway Candida → hyphal invasion → anti-phagocytic → leukocytic inflammation/ulcers/microabscesses/necrosis; chronic = granuloma/fibrosis; hematogenous = bilateral hemorrhagic nodules of necrotic lung + Candida.

Treatment

Antifungal, symptomatic, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

No broad-spectrum antibiotic abuse; monitor stool/urine/sputum/chest X-ray on long-term antibiotics/steroids/immunosuppressants; prophylactic nystatin/ketoconazole/fluconazole; handwashing.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Respiratory department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.