Autoimmune Disease and Infections can Lead to Lung Disease

There are a number of autoimmune disorders and infections, which can also affect the lungs. Some can lead to progressive damage to the lungs, which can be permanent in some instances.

What Is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is considered an autoimmune disease. Normally, your immune system, protects you from disease. Part of the immune response involves releasing cells, which go to the site of infection. In people with sarcoidosis, an immune system response occurs for no specific reason, and the cells released lead to inflammation, which can affect various organ systems including the lungs.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the reason some people develop autoimmune disorders, such as sarcoidosis, is not fully understood. There does appear to be a genetic component, which may predispose a person to the condition. But further research is still needed.

Symptoms of sarcoidosis often affect multiple organs of the body. The lungs are not the only thing affected. Symptoms may include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and weight loss. Skin symptoms, such as a rash and lesions, are also common. When symptoms affect the lungs, they may include wheezing, trouble breathing and coughing.

Treatment mostly involves medication. Medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage. Currently, there is no cure for the condition. Some people may have a mild form of the disease, which can be managed with medications. In other instances, lung transplantation may be considered if severe damage has developed.  

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is a lung disease that can be caused by breathing in fungus spores. The fungus, called Histoplasma capsulatum, can be found in soil, especially in the eastern and central United States. The spores are also present in bird droppings. Most commonly the infection is contracted by breathing in the fungus, which became airborne from disturbed soil. 

Although anyone can come in contact with the spores, those at the highest risk are farmers and people who work around soil or birds. The disease is not spread from person to person. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms may start anywhere from a few days to about three weeks after inhaling the spores.

In people who have a decreased immune system, the infection can become severe, leading to long-term lung problems. When lung symptoms are severe they may include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing and mouth sores. In some cases, lung symptoms can last months.

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Not everyone who develops histoplasmosis requires treatment. Healthy people who develop the condition may just require supportive treatment to reduce symptoms.  In individuals who have more severe symptoms, medication including antifungal drugs is often prescribed. Medication to help ease shortness of breath may also be needed.