Condition: Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (Abpa)

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, or ABPA, is a disorder that occurs as a result of a reaction by the body that occurs when it comes into contact with a fungus known as Aspergillus. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis occurs when the body has an allergic reaction to the fungus, meaning that the body responds in an unusually sensitive way when the Aspergillus fungal spores are inhaled. Often, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis occurs along with asthma and cystic fibrosis. ABPA occurs in about 2 percent of people with asthma in the United States, and in up to 15 percent of people with cystic fibrosis. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis can cause wheezing, difficulty breathing, and other asthma symptoms. Treatment for ABPA often includes steroids and an antifungal medication.