Fungal lung contamination is a pneumonia caused by hypersensitivity that occurs upon exposure to allergenic fungal spores and compost associated with mushrooms. 
Mushroom worker's lung disease is considered one of the most common inflammatory conditions associated with exposure to mushroom spores, and it should also be noted that lung contamination is a part of fungal pneumonia as it occurs due to fungal spores in the air or soil. 
It is common in people suffering from symptoms of weak immunity, and if not treated, it can be extremely dangerous and even fatal. 
The types of fungi that cause a fungal lung contamination, get to know them: 
•    Pneumocystis fungi. 
•    Cryptococcus fungi. 
•    Aspergillus fungi. 
Types of Fungal Lung Contamination
Also learn about the types of pneumonia based on the infection-causing fungi, which include the following: 
1. Pneumonia
This type is produced by a yeast-derived fungus called Pneumocystis and mostly affects people suffering from immunodeficiency, therefore it may cause them many symptoms. 
2. Valley Fever
Valley fever is known as Coccidioidomycosis and usually infects people who are 60 years of age, or people exposed to dusty environments, such as: farm workers and construction workers. 
3. Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis occurs due to Histoplasma fungi, and mostly they disappear on their own, although some cases may become severe and advanced, as they may spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as: the spinal cord, and the brain. 
4. Cryptococcus
It infects people who suffer from a weakness in the immune system, and if it is not treated, it may develop into more dangerous complications. 
5. Aspergillosis
It is considered an airborne fungus and the most widespread as it is present in many indoor and outdoor environments, and infects patients who suffer from severe immunodeficiency. This type of infection can cause the growth of masses known as fungal balls in the lungs, which may also spread to other organs. 
Symptoms of Fungal Lung Contamination
The most prominent symptoms of a fungal lung contamination include the following: 
1. General symptoms of a fungal lung contamination
They include the following: 
•    Acute lung disease. 
•    Cough. 
•    Fever. 
•    Phlegm. 
•    Cold. 
•    Pain during breathing. 
•    Shortness of breath. 
•    Weight loss. 
•    Loss of appetite. 
•    Nausea and vomiting. 
•    Diarrhea. 
The symptoms may vary depending on the types of cultivated fungi, and mostly the symptoms appear 4 - 6 hours after leaving the area containing the mushroom spores. It is also worth noting that age plays an important role in the type and severity of symptoms in people, as older adults tend to have mild pneumonia symptoms, while infants and young children may find difficulty feeding, have pale skin, face breathing difficulties, and have decreased urine output. 
2. Symptoms of Pneumonia
•    Pains. 
•    Cough. 
•    Fever. 
•    Pain in the chest. 
3. Symptoms of Valley Fever
Such as: 
•    Fever. 
•    Cough. 
•    Headache. 
•    Skin rash. 
•    Muscle and joint pain. 
4. Symptoms of Histoplasmosis
Which are as follows: 
•    Fatigue. 
•    Fever. 
•    Cough. 
2. Symptoms requiring an immediate visit to the doctor
If one of the following symptoms appears, a doctor must be consulted immediately, and the most prominent of these symptoms are: 
•    Continuous shortness of breath. 
•    Long-lasting fever accompanied by thick mucus. 
•    Severe fatigue. 
•    Shortness of breath even at rest. 
•    Pain and discomfort in the chest. 
•    Confusion. 
•    Disturbed thinking. 
Causes and Risk Factors of Fungal Lung Contamination
Learn about the causes and risk factors leading to a fungal lung contamination: 
1. Causes of fungal lung contamination
A fungal lung contamination occurs due to the inhalation of certain substances that arise from mushroom cultivation, and more precisely, it is an infrequent condition that happens to agricultural workers who are often exposed to dust resulting from moldy fodder and plant materials. Therefore, mushroom worker's lung disease may be an occupational lung disease due to hypersensitivity to the antigen resulting from moldy fodder dust. These fungi are also found in clinical environments or in hospitals, which leads to pneumonia infection. 
2. Risk factors leading to fungal lung contamination
These include the following: 
•    People suffering from weak immunity. 
•    People infected with chronic diseases, such as: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). 
•    Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. 
•    Patients taking high doses of corticosteroids. 
•    People infected with autoimmune disorders, such as: Lupus, and Multiple Sclerosis. 
•    Patients suffering from blood disorders. 
•    Bone marrow transplant patients. 
•    Lung diseases, such as: Cystic Fibrosis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). 
•    Diabetes. 
•    Smoking. 
•    Adults over the age of 65. 
•    Children under the age of two. 
Complications of Fungal Lung Contamination
The most prominent complications include the following: 
1. Complications of fungal lung contamination
Exposure to high concentrations of mushroom spores may lead to the following: 
•    Rhinitis. 
•    Asthma. 
•    Allergic bronchopulmonary mycosis. 
•    Allergic fungal sinusitis. 
•    Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. 
•    Nerve damage. 
•    Infection in the brain. 
•    Infection in the spinal cord. 
•    Meningitis. 
2. Complications of Pneumonia
The most prominent are: 
•    Lung abscess: A viscous yellow or green fluid may collect in the cavities of the lungs and may cause pus. 
•    Pleural disorders: The pleura becomes diseased or inflamed. 
•    Pulmonary edema: This condition causes a buildup of fluids in the lungs and leads to breathing difficulties. 
•    Respiratory failure: Acute inflammation inside the lungs prevents them from performing their function of bringing in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide, which hinders breathing. 
3. Serious complications
It is possible for some serious complications to occur, such as: 
•    Fungal meningitis: If the infection spreads to the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spine, fungal meningitis arises. 
•    Kidney failure: Fungal pneumonia leads to kidney damage, which leads to the accumulation of harmful waste inside the body. 
•    Another organ failure: It is possible for the liver and spleen to be damaged as the infection progresses in the body. 
•    Cardiac effects: Severe pneumonia cases lead to heart problems and circulatory problems, and consequently, the risk of stroke, heart failure, and heart attack increases. 
•    Mycetoma (fungal tumors): The condition may progress and the person may develop fungal tumors, especially if infected with aspergillosis. 
Prevention of Fungal Lung Contamination
To prevent a fungal lung contamination, we present to you some prevention methods, which include the following: 
•    Wearing a full-face mask. 
•    Ensuring that indoor work areas are well-ventilated.