HomeAbout UsContact Us
Do you have a cough that won't go away, along with wheezing or breathlessness that your regular asthma inhaler isn't fixing? This could be Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, commonly known as ABPA, a condition where your lungs overreact to a common fungus. With the right treatment from an experienced Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Specialist, you can control the symptoms and protect your lungs from long-term damage.
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis happens when your immune system overreacts to a fungus called Aspergillus, found almost everywhere in soil, dust, and the air we breathe. Most healthy people breathe it in without any issue, but in some patients, especially those with asthma or cystic fibrosis, the immune system treats this fungus as a threat, triggering ongoing inflammation in the airways and lungs.
This is not an infection in the usual sense, the fungus does not spread through the body; it simply triggers a strong allergic reaction inside the lungs. Without proper treatment from an Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Specialist, this ongoing inflammation can permanently scar the airways.
ABPA symptoms often overlap with poorly controlled asthma, which is why it can go undiagnosed for a while. Common signs include:
ABPA develops when the immune system overreacts to the Aspergillus fungus. Common risk factors include:
Most ABPA patients already have asthma.
Another major risk factor for developing ABPA.
Aspergillus is common in soil, dust, and decaying matter, so frequent exposure increases risk.
Some patients have an immune system that reacts more strongly to the fungus than others.
Confirming that your symptoms are actually caused by ABPA, and not by asthma or a chest infection alone, is the first and most important step. A correct diagnosis avoids unnecessary treatment and ensures the right care plan from the start.
Dr. Manish Aggarwal uses the following tests to accurately profile and monitor the condition:
ABPA is a complex condition where the body's immune system overreacts to a fungus commonly present in the air, leading to persistent inflammation and mucus buildup in the airways. Because the disease behaves differently from patient to patient, Dr. Manish Aggarwal designs each treatment plan around symptom severity and how well the body responds to initial therapy, adjusting the approach over time rather than following a fixed protocol.
Treatment typically works on two fronts at once, calming inflammation with steroids while tackling the underlying fungal trigger with antifungal medicines alongside supportive care like inhalers and physiotherapy to ease daily breathing. Since ABPA tends to relapse, this combined approach is designed for the long haul, not just short-term relief.
Dr. Manish Aggarwal is a pulmonologist with years of experience diagnosing and treating lung and breathing-related conditions, including Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis. He completed his MBBS and MD in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases from Delhi University, followed by NHS clinical experience in the United Kingdom and the prestigious FRCP (Glasgow) from the Royal College of Physicians.
He is known for explaining conditions in simple, easy-to-understand language and building treatment plans around each patient's specific test results and symptoms, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
The most commonly used medications for ABPA are oral corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, which reduce airway inflammation, and antifungal medicines like itraconazole or voriconazole, which lower the fungal load in the lungs. In more severe or relapsing cases, biologic injections may also be used as part of the treatment plan.
There is no single best treatment, since Aspergillus-related lung conditions vary from person to person. For ABPA specifically, a combination of steroids and antifungal medicines usually works best, along with regular monitoring. Dr. Manish Aggarwal evaluates your test reports and symptoms to decide the most suitable treatment for your case.
Treatment duration varies from patient to patient. In general, the initial phase with steroids may last around 3 to 6 months, and antifungal medicines are often continued for a similar duration. Some patients need longer-term or repeated courses if the condition relapses. Regular follow-up helps determine when it is safe to reduce or stop medicines.
No, ABPA is an allergic reaction to the Aspergillus fungus, not a spreading infection. The fungus triggers inflammation in the airways rather than actively infecting lung tissue the way bacteria or viruses do.
ABPA cannot be permanently cured, but it can be managed very effectively. With consistent treatment and regular monitoring, most patients lead a completely normal life with well-controlled symptoms.
Most people who develop ABPA already have asthma or cystic fibrosis, but it can occasionally occur in people without a prior diagnosis of either condition, especially if their immune system reacts strongly to Aspergillus.
Yes, though it is more commonly seen in children and adults who have underlying asthma or cystic fibrosis. Symptoms and treatment principles are similar, but dosing and monitoring are adjusted for children.
If untreated, ongoing inflammation can lead to permanent scarring of the airways, a condition called bronchiectasis, along with worsening lung function over time. This is why early diagnosis and treatment matter so much.
Yes, a pulmonologist can accurately diagnose ABPA and rule out other conditions like plain asthma or COPD. Getting the right diagnosis from an Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Specialist ensures your treatment actually addresses the root cause instead of just managing symptoms temporarily.
We are available to answer queries, schedule urgent EBUS sessions or arrange Sleep diagnostic devices.
Get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan built around you, from Dr. Manish Aggarwal, your trusted Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis Specialist in Delhi.