If you have been diagnosed with valley fever, here are seven more questions you may wish to go over with your physician:
1. Besides the Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential WBC test that has been run for me, will I need to take any further tests to confirm my condition?
Though it depends on what your doctor orders, generally speaking you will have to have a combination of tests to confirm the type of fungal disease you have and under which grouping it is classified.
2. So what are these other diagnostic tests I may need to take?
• Diagnosis is effective using a chest X-ray which will show the places the lung is infected and where the spores of the fungi have lodged themselves.
• A sputum culture is also prescribed especially if the symptoms include the presence of blood-stained sputum while coughing.
• A variation is the potassium hydroxide sputum smear test where fungi are detected by dissolving human cells obtained from the sputum in a culture.
• Serum Coccidioides Complement Fixation Titer test may be prescribed as well.
• A test called the Coccidioidin skin test or a Spherulin skin test was a prevalent technique of diagnosis till some years back but is now rarely used.
3. What is the Serum Coccidioides Complement Fixation Titer test?
This tests the serum of the blood for the presence of antibodies which may have been produced to counter the antigen Coccidioides immitis. In the case where antibodies have been produced they will fix themselves to tackle the C. immitis antigen. In some cases a repeat test may be done after several weeks to check if the infection is still active through reading the titer or antibody concentration per volume of blood.
4. What medications will I be given?
This depends on your doctor and your individual case. However, courses of AmphotericinB IV or Fluconazole are often prescribed. Other drugs found equally effective are Ketoconazole, Voriconazole, and Posaconazole. Dosages, mode of intake, timings and potency will be dictated by your doctor.
5. Do you see any complications arise in my case?
Complications can occur prior, during or in the immediate post-treatment period of valley fever and they range from dissemination in the body of the fungus, relapse and pleural effusion (where the pus leaks out into the spaces between the lung and the ribs). It is also possible that treatment with intravenous (IV) Amphotericin B may cause adverse and acute side effects such as nausea, fever and kidney malfunction. This may require additional medication to tackle.
6. Are there any alternative therapy options available for managing this condition?
Alternative medicines are also popular in the management of mild valley fever. They usually are given as prophylactics. The rationale is to create an non-conducive environment within the body for the fungi to survive. So a diet low in sugars and dairy products is given along with raw and unprocessed (closest to nature) foods as well as probiotic foods. Yeast-containing foods (like beer, etc.) are to be abstained from and vitamin supplements (especially vitamins A, B-Complex, C, and E) to boost the immune system are administered. Antifungal herbs like garlic are used in ample quantities to suppress the fungi. However, for the more severe forms of valley fever, it is advisable to go for conventional or mainline medication/treatment.
7. I have been diagnosed with Primary Cutaneous Coccidioidomycosis. What is the prognosis for this condition?
Except in the case of Disseminated Coccidioimycosis (DC) where the fatality rate is very high, the prognosis for the other two types of valley fever is good and largely depends on overall health – especially immune system robustness, access to medical treatments, staying away/avoiding contaminated soil or area, etc.
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com