Symptoms of Aspergillus Disease

Symptoms caused by Aspergillus can vary a great deal from person to person. They depend on the type of aspergillosis, which part of the body is affected, the health of the lungs, and whether the problem is mainly an allergic reaction or an infection.

Some people develop symptoms slowly over many months, while others become unwell more quickly. Many symptoms overlap with asthma, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bacterial chest infections and other lung conditions, which is one reason aspergillosis can be difficult to recognise.

This page gives an overview of common symptoms and explains why they may differ between types of aspergillosis.

Key Points

  • Symptoms of aspergillosis vary depending on the type of condition.
  • Some forms mainly cause allergy and airway inflammation.
  • Other forms cause chronic infection or damage in the lungs.
  • Symptoms often overlap with other respiratory illnesses.
  • Ongoing, unexplained, or worsening symptoms should be discussed with a doctor.

Common Symptoms

Across the different forms of aspergillosis, common symptoms may include:

  • persistent cough
  • breathlessness
  • wheezing
  • chest tightness or discomfort
  • bringing up sputum or mucus
  • fatigue or reduced energy
  • weight loss
  • fever in some cases
  • coughing up blood in some cases

Not everyone will have all of these symptoms. Some people have only mild symptoms at first, while others have more severe or persistent problems.

Symptoms in Allergic Aspergillus Conditions

In allergic conditions such as Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) and Severe Asthma with Fungal Sensitisation (SAFS), symptoms are usually related to airway inflammation and asthma-like problems.

Common symptoms may include:

  • worsening asthma symptoms
  • wheezing
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • bringing up thick mucus or mucus plugs
  • episodes of chest tightness

Some people find their symptoms flare up and down over time rather than staying constant.

Symptoms in Chronic Aspergillus Lung Disease

In chronic forms such as Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), Aspergillus bronchitis and aspergillus nodules, symptoms often develop more gradually.

Common symptoms may include:

  • persistent cough
  • fatigue and loss of stamina
  • breathlessness
  • weight loss
  • poor appetite
  • bringing up sputum
  • coughing up blood

Some people feel generally unwell for a long time before a diagnosis is reached.

Symptoms in Invasive Aspergillosis

Invasive aspergillosis is usually seen in people with severely weakened immune systems or severe illness. Symptoms may be more serious and may develop more quickly.

Symptoms may include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • breathlessness
  • chest pain
  • rapid worsening illness

This form of aspergillosis needs urgent medical care.

Why Symptoms Can Be Hard to Interpret

Many symptoms of aspergillosis are not unique. Cough, sputum, breathlessness and fatigue are common in many lung conditions. Some people already have asthma, bronchiectasis or COPD, which can make it difficult to know whether symptoms are due to their usual condition, an infection, inflammation, or something new.

This is why doctors often use a combination of:

  • symptoms
  • medical history
  • blood tests
  • CT scans or chest X-rays
  • sputum results

Read more about diagnosis →

Symptoms That Should Prompt Medical Advice

You should seek medical advice if you have symptoms that are persistent, unexplained, or worsening, especially if you already have a lung condition or weakened immune system.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

  • significant or repeated coughing up of blood
  • rapidly worsening breathlessness
  • high fever with severe illness
  • new chest pain with worsening respiratory symptoms

Symptoms and Daily Life

Symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and cough can affect daily life far beyond the lungs. They may make it harder to work, sleep well, exercise, socialise, or manage normal routines. Many people with aspergillosis need practical strategies as well as medical treatment.

Read more about living with aspergillosis →

Common Questions

Can aspergillosis cause fatigue?

Yes. Fatigue is a common symptom, especially in chronic forms of aspergillosis, and may also relate to inflammation, poor sleep, breathlessness or the strain of long-term illness.

Can aspergillosis cause wheezing?

Yes. Wheezing is particularly common in allergic forms such as ABPA and SAFS.

Can aspergillosis cause coughing up blood?

Yes. This can happen in some chronic forms of aspergillosis and should be discussed with a doctor, especially if it is new, worsening or significant.

Can symptoms come and go?

Yes. Some people, especially those with allergic disease, have flare-ups and periods of improvement.

Where to Go Next

Last reviewed: March 2026