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Suggest Treatment For Systemic Fungal Infection

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Posted on Fri, 22 Apr 2016
Question: I have a systemic fungal infection. I have coughed up what appears to be worms,ugly ones under microscope. I have open sores. Been to many physicians, my own, specialists, and recently a few clinics. I need help and don't know where to go next.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need proper evaluation from specialist plus sores care !

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM. Thanks for consulting here. I can realize your health worries and feel sorry you have this issue.


It may be Candidemia or Invasive Candidiasis. It is actually the other name of systemic fungal infection. You ask about next best step to go. Please spare some time to fix an appointment with an Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Specialist to rule out the causes and go for proper treatment. He will have to send Blood and sputum cultures for ruling out and diagnose the cause. Physical examination and clinical correlation is the key in fact.

In management we usually go for Micafungin if Candidemia (fungal infection ) is confirmed. Usually we don't need a higher dose in start of treatment with this medicine. 100 mg suffices for daily dose needed. So it will be convenient for you to get treated. This is Intravenous prescription drug, so your Specialist will help you with that. Other agents also are beneficial but depends on culture sensitivity report of blood work and also the sputum tests. If felt appropriate your Physician may also refer you to a Pulmonologist.

HIV and other immunocompromising diseases are also needed to be ruled out. You also have open sores that show weak immune response. White blood cell counts decrease in such cases and patient lacks fighting power againt germs that attack due to getting this opportunity of weak immune response of body.

Other causes needed to be ruled out includes Diabetes Mellitus. I am sure your Physician will screen that too.

Treatment is necessary until you get negative blood cultures.

Please ask your physician to refer you to a surgeon if the sores need deridement and wound care.

Candidemia and Systemic fungal infections may cause eye issues too (Endophthamitis) so I recommend you to go for an eye checkup too from an Ophthalmologist.

Hope it helps. Please let me know if you need further assistance as I am here to help you happily all the time. Stay blessed.

Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Hanif (1 hour later)
I don't have a PCP currently, and am having a very hard time finding a DR. that will see me. I have insurance.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Call the health insurance and they will provideo a PCP !!!

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back with a follow up!

I feel sorry for that trouble. you need to call the helpline number of your insurance and ask them to give you the detailed list of PCPs in your area.

Calling insurance is also helpful as they give the defined PCPs that are on their panel. In this way you don't have to pay much out of your pocket for office visits of a PCP.

Ask the Insurance representative to mail or email the list of PCPs in your area of residence.

Hope it helps. Let me know please if you need further assistance. I will be happy to help.

Regards!
DR.HANIF
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Muhammad Hanif

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 2369 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Systemic Fungal Infection

Brief Answer: You need proper evaluation from specialist plus sores care ! Detailed Answer: Welcome to HCM. Thanks for consulting here. I can realize your health worries and feel sorry you have this issue. It may be Candidemia or Invasive Candidiasis. It is actually the other name of systemic fungal infection. You ask about next best step to go. Please spare some time to fix an appointment with an Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Specialist to rule out the causes and go for proper treatment. He will have to send Blood and sputum cultures for ruling out and diagnose the cause. Physical examination and clinical correlation is the key in fact. In management we usually go for Micafungin if Candidemia (fungal infection ) is confirmed. Usually we don't need a higher dose in start of treatment with this medicine. 100 mg suffices for daily dose needed. So it will be convenient for you to get treated. This is Intravenous prescription drug, so your Specialist will help you with that. Other agents also are beneficial but depends on culture sensitivity report of blood work and also the sputum tests. If felt appropriate your Physician may also refer you to a Pulmonologist. HIV and other immunocompromising diseases are also needed to be ruled out. You also have open sores that show weak immune response. White blood cell counts decrease in such cases and patient lacks fighting power againt germs that attack due to getting this opportunity of weak immune response of body. Other causes needed to be ruled out includes Diabetes Mellitus. I am sure your Physician will screen that too. Treatment is necessary until you get negative blood cultures. Please ask your physician to refer you to a surgeon if the sores need deridement and wound care. Candidemia and Systemic fungal infections may cause eye issues too (Endophthamitis) so I recommend you to go for an eye checkup too from an Ophthalmologist. Hope it helps. Please let me know if you need further assistance as I am here to help you happily all the time. Stay blessed. Regards!