When pneumonia doesn’t respond to antibiotics, it could be fungal pneumonia. Learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this rising health threat from Dr. Neha Mishra.
Pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics, as most cases are bacterial in origin. But what happens when a patient fails to recover despite multiple courses of antibiotics? According to Dr. Neha Mishra, Consultant in Infectious Diseases at Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru, this may indicate a less-known but serious condition: fungal pneumonia.
What is Fungal Pneumonia?
Unlike bacterial or viral pneumonia, fungal pneumonia is not contagious. It occurs when fungal spores from the environment—found in soil, decaying leaves, or construction dust—enter the lungs. While healthy individuals often clear these spores without issue, people with weakened immunity are at higher risk. This includes individuals with diabetes, chronic lung diseases, cancer, or those on long-term steroids or immunosuppressive therapy.
Common fungal culprits include Aspergillus, Histoplasma, and Mucor species. Symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain closely resemble bacterial pneumonia, often delaying diagnosis. If left untreated, fungal pneumonia can become severe and life-threatening.
Why Antibiotics Don’t Work
Persistent pneumonia that does not respond to antibiotics is often misinterpreted as a slow recovery. Dr. Mishra stresses, “Non-response to antibiotics is a red flag. It signals that bacterial infection may not be the cause, and continuing antibiotics can delay proper treatment.”
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To diagnose fungal pneumonia, doctors rely on advanced tools like molecular testing, fungal culture, and biomarker assays. Correct identification is crucial because fungal infections require antifungal therapy, not antibiotics.
Treatment and Management
The good news is that fungal pneumonia is treatable when detected early. Treatment depends on the type of fungus and severity of infection. Antifungal medications must be administered carefully under medical supervision, as they can interact with other drugs and impact liver and kidney function.
Dr. Mishra advises, “Immunocompromised patients must be closely monitored. Early diagnosis and timely antifungal therapy significantly reduce complications and improve recovery.”
Rising Cases and the Need for Awareness
The incidence of fungal pneumonia is increasing worldwide due to greater use of immunosuppressants, cancer therapies, and increased exposure to environmental spores from construction and climate-related factors.
Awareness is key. Patients whose pneumonia seems to linger or who show persistent symptoms despite antibiotics should consult specialists promptly. Dr. Mishra concludes, “Timely diagnosis, awareness, and appropriate antifungal treatment are essential to improving outcomes and reducing mortality from fungal pneumonia.”
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