$Unique_ID{BRK02127}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Characteristics of "Valley Fever"}
$Subject{lungs infection fever valley Valley Fever cough blood fungus San
Joaquin Fever coccidioidomycosis C. immitis hemoptysis pleurisy chest pain
skin rashes skin rash desert rheumatism pulmonologist Rift Valley Fever}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Characteristics of "Valley Fever"


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QUESTION:  Could you tell me anything about "valley fever".  It's a fungus
that comes from the soil and affects the lungs.  The sick person spits up
blood and it feels like the lungs are on fire.  Is there a cure?  What
medication should be used?  Would a lung specialist know about this disease
and can it be treated?

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ANSWER:  Known also as "San Joaquin Fever" as well as "Valley Fever,"
coccidioidomycosis is an infectious disease caused by the fungus C. immitis
and is endemic in the southwestern United States, and is seen most frequently
in men ages 25-55.  The disease is caught by inhaling dust that contains the
spores of the fungus, and is not passed from one person to another.  The
disease often starts like the flu, from 7 to 28 days after inhaling the
spores.  In many cases the symptoms are mild, but can also appear as a
pneumonia, with fever, cough, chest pain, sore throat, chills, and coughing up
blood (hemoptysis).  Pleurisy is often seen, causing chest pain and shortness
of breath.  Some people develop skin rashes (10 to 20 percent), and there is
another form of the disease that includes joint pain (arthritis) and
conjunctivitis as well.  It is often called "desert rheumatism".
     The good news is that in most cases the primary disease is self-limited
and does not require any treatment.  However, a progressive form of the
disease also exists, which is far more serious, and does require proper
treatment and management.  In such cases amphotericin B is the medication of
choice, and can eradicate the infection.  Ketoconazole is another medication
which may also be employed.
     A lung specialist (pulmonologist) would most certainly know about this
disease, as would a specialist in infectious diseases.  But then, especially
in the areas where this disease is so common, so would a family physician.  It
is a subject well covered in all medical schools' required studies.
     While researching your answer, I came across another valley fever, this
one know as "Rift Valley Fever".  It is caused by a virus, carried by a
mosquito and was discovered in the Rift Valley of Kenya.  However, judging
from the post mark on your letter, I doubt that this is the disease you are
interested in.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.