The expert spoke about olfactory disorders in aspergillosis

Aspergillosis causes impaired sense of smell due to blockage of the nasal passages and exposure to toxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus. Kirill Masliev, Candidate of Medical Sciences, member of the State Council Commission on Active Long-term Life, Head of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Rudn University, founder of the Heroes Charitable Foundation, told Izvestia on August 8.

"With aspergillosis, there are violations of the sense of smell for several reasons. Firstly, the nasal passages are blocked by fungal masses. This happens with fungal sinusitis, which was triggered by an allergy. Secondly, the Aspergillus group of fungi produces toxins that paralyze and damage the receptors responsible for the sense of smell. These factors cause the nasal mucosa and sinuses to become inflamed and swollen. This affects the process of smelling," the specialist explained.

Gradual loss of sense of smell is one of the symptoms of aspergillosis, but not the only one. Patients also often complain of persistent nasal congestion, which can be accompanied by bleeding. In addition to these symptoms, headaches in the bridge of the nose are not uncommon, which can spread to the forehead. In addition, patients often experience an increase in body temperature to 37.5 degrees.

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Diagnosis of aspergillosis is extremely important, as its symptoms may be similar to the manifestations of acute respiratory viral infections. However, aspergillosis differs from the common cold in a gradual loss of sense of smell (as opposed to a sharp deterioration in acute respiratory viral infections), the absence of body aches and a less pronounced fever. In this case, the disease has a long course. In the case of an advanced form, the fungus can enter the lungs and form a tumor-like formation.

It is possible to distinguish aspergillosis from acute respiratory viral infections by the nature of secretions: with acute respiratory viral infections they are white or greenish, and with aspergillosis they are brown. Fungal diseases require specific treatment, as the symptoms do not disappear by themselves, unlike viral and bacterial infections.

"Aspergillosis can be diagnosed using CT scans of the sinuses and mycological analysis. We recommend contacting an otolaryngologist if the symptoms persist. Aspergillosis can complicate and worsen all kinds of respiratory tract diseases, exacerbate allergic reactions," Masliev said.

According to the expert, additional risk factors for people are working in industries contaminated with aspergillus, for example, in a brewery or a flour mill.

Infectious disease specialist Vera Seryozhina reported on the danger of "mouse disease", or yersiniosis, on May 26. The disease can lead to damage to internal organs.

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