What is CPA?

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) is a long-term fungal infection of the lungs caused by Aspergillus, a common mold found in the environment. CPA typically occurs in people with underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems, though it can also affect individuals with no obvious risk factors. Symptoms of CPA are often nonspecific and can overlap with other lung diseases, making diagnosis challenging. Common symptoms include: chronic cough, often with sputum production, haemoptysis (coughing up blood), persistent fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite, low-grade fever, shortness of breath and chest pain.

What is it like having CPA?

From a Facebook Poll of our patient support group in 2021 – we asked what aspects of their quality of life most troubled CPA patients and 55 patients responded:

It is clear that the ‘Big Three’ concerns affecting most people with CPA are fatigue, breathlessness and poor fitness, but there is a large range of other concerns, particularly around anxiety and the taking of antifungal medication, coughing and weight loss.

Some people in the survey told us of 15 of these concerns that affected them, others only 1. It is clear that there is a huge range of concerns & symptoms when you have CPA, and no two people are likely to have all of the same.

The main comorbidities of CPA include pre-existing lung diseases (e.g., TB, COPD, bronchiectasis), immune suppression (e.g., corticosteroid use, diabetes), and systemic conditions (e.g., sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis). These conditions contribute to the development, progression, and treatment challenges of CPA, highlighting the importance of managing underlying diseases alongside CPA therapy.

Fatigue

Breathlessness

Loss of fitness

Side effects from antifungal medication

Anxiety

Coughing

Weight loss

Information and Support Groups

Tips on How to live with a Chronic Disease