Living with a serious fungal infection

If you have been diagnosed with a serious fungal infection, it’s likely that you’ll have lots of questions.

For example many ask:

‘How did I get this infection?’

The most common infections are those that affect the parts of our bodies that are most often exposed to fungi. As many pathogenic fungi are found in the air that we breathe that means our lungs and sinuses, but also commonly our skin, nails, eyes and ears.

‘But if we are all exposed to these fungi why did it infect me?’

Most of us have immune systems that are very good at fighting infections of all kinds and fight off the fungi trying to infect us quite easily. A few people might have a slightly less powerful immune system e.g. those with cystic fibrosis or CGD. Others might be undergoing treatment which can reduce the effectiveness of their immune system e.g. transplant recipients, and sometimes an injury that breaks our protective skin can cause in infection.

As well as thinking about the condition itself – what treatment options are available to you and how you will manage the symptoms, for example – you might well have concerns about how to cope with the impact your fungal infection will have on your day-to-day life, especially as many infections cause chronic disease

Living with a fungal infection doesn’t mean life has to stop, but it will inevitably affect you in different ways.

Antifungal drugs can be taken in the form of an oral capsule, liquid or given as an intravenous injection if the patient is under observation in hospital. Some can cause side effects that are unpleasant and can interfere with other medication you are taking so a clear and open relationship with your medical team is important.

Many people also find their mood and way of thinking changes. It’s not uncommon for someone with a long-term condition to feel depressed or anxious, or to worry about work and finances.

I have a fungal infection

Living with a serious fungal infection

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