Alternative Names
North American blastomycosis; Gilchrist's disease
Treatment:
Medicines may not be needed for a blastomycosis infection that remains in the lungs, unless it becomes severe. When the disease is severe, or when it spreads outside of the lungs, the following medicines (anti-fungals) may be prescribed:
Amphotericin B may be used for severe infections.
You should follow-up regularly with your doctor to make sure the infection doesn't return.
Expectations (prognosis):
Patients with minor skin sores (lesions) and relatively mild lung infections usually recover completely. If the infection is not treated, it can become severe enough to cause death.
Complications:
- Large sores with pus (abscesses)
- Return of the infection (relapse or disease recurrence)
- Unpleasant side effects to drugs such as amphotericin B
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of blastomycosis occur.