Aspergillosis Awareness: Conversation with Tom Bermingham - European Lung Foundation

Conversation with Tom Bermingham – European Lung Foundation

👨 Meet Tom Bermingham

• Lives in rural County Wexford, Ireland, with his wife.

• Works as a Rural Development Manager.

• Diagnosed with aspergillosis in 2022 after years of lung issues.

🌪️ What Triggered His Aspergillosis

• He grew sunflowers in a polytunnel; handling decaying heads released dust he inhaled.

• Later, home renovation stirred up bathroom mould/dust—both likely exposures.

🏥 The Path to Diagnosis

• 2019: Hospitalised for cavitating pneumonia and diagnosed with bronchiectasis.

• Later treated for chronic fatigue syndrome, repeated infections, tiring quickly.

• Feb 2022: Hospitalised again (17 days), diagnosed with severe adult-onset asthma, oxygen-dependent, with mucus positive for Aspergillus fumigatus.

• Initially labelled with Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), treated with steroids, antifungals, inhalers, antibiotics, and fatigue medications.

• 2024: Diagnosis revised to ABPA + Severe Asthma with Fungal Sensitisation (SAFS).

• October 2024: Hospitalised for COVID-19 and Pseudomonas lung infection treated via PICC line. European Lung Foundation

💔 How It Affects His Daily Life

• Mornings bring coughing up “dirty mucus” daily—an unsettling reminder.

• Extreme fatigue, headaches, regular infections dominate his life.

• Gave up gardening (risk of soil exposure), community work, and physical chores.

• Lives with constant fear of infection, medication side effects, and hospitalisations.

• Chronic disease has made long-term planning impossible; relaxation and mental wellbeing are vital.

🧭 How He Manages

• Supported by his wife and daughters and his flexible employer.

• Practices listening to his body: rests when needed.

• Regular check-ups—including CT scans, lung function, sputum and blood tests—keep his care monitored. European Lung Foundation

• Accepting limitations while focusing on what he can still do helps his mindset.

✅ Key Insights for Aspergillosis Patients

• Environmental exposures matter: mould, dust, soil may trigger illness—even long after.

• Diagnosis can be complex and evolve: often overlaps with asthma, bronchiectasis, ABPA, SAFS.

• Daily life can change significantly, with physical decline and emotional stress.

• Support network and personalised care are crucial—family, employer flexibility, specialist monitoring.

• Self-care and mindset: acceptance, rest, and focusing on abilities, not limitations.