Paracoccidioidomycosis: What You Need to Know

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection you mostly hear about in parts of Latin America. It’s caused by a fungus that lives in soil and can get into your lungs when you breathe in spores. Most people who get it are adults, especially men who work outdoors. The disease can stay hidden for weeks or months before you notice anything.

Signs and Symptoms

At first you might feel a cough that won’t go away, sometimes with mucus or a little blood. Fever, night sweats, and tiredness are common too. As the infection spreads, skin lesions can appear—usually raised, ulcer‑like spots on the face or arms. Mouth sores are another clue, especially if they don’t heal quickly. Some folks get enlarged lymph nodes or shortness of breath if the lungs are badly affected.

Because the symptoms look like TB or other lung diseases, doctors often need extra clues. Pay attention to any recent trips to rural areas, farming work, or exposure to dusty soil. Those details help the clinician think about Paracoccidioidomycosis early.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The gold‑standard test is a lab exam of sputum, tissue, or blood to find the fungus under a microscope. Imaging like a chest X‑ray or CT scan shows where the lungs are damaged, and a biopsy of skin or mouth lesions can confirm the diagnosis.

Once confirmed, treatment usually starts with antifungal medicines such as itraconazole or amphotericin B for severe cases. Itraconazole is taken daily for several months, sometimes up to a year, to make sure the fungus is fully cleared. Side effects can include stomach upset or liver changes, so regular blood tests are a good idea.

Most people feel better within a few weeks, but full recovery can take longer. Keep follow‑up appointments, finish the entire medication course, and avoid re‑exposure to dusty environments when possible.

If you’re worried you might have Paracoccidioidomycosis, talk to your doctor right away. Early detection makes treatment easier and cuts down on long‑term lung damage. Stay aware of the signs, especially if you live or work in endemic regions.