CPA is a long-term lung condition caused by a common fungus called Aspergillus. It usually affects people who already have lung damage — from infections like tuberculosis (TB), conditions like COPD or asthma, or diseases such as sarcoidosis.
There are five main types of CPA. Knowing which one you have can help guide your treatment and follow-up.
🟠 1. Chronic Cavitary Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CCPA)
Most common form
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Caused by Aspergillus growing in one or more cavities in the lungs
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Cavities may slowly get larger or thicker
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Often develops in people with previous lung disease
Symptoms:
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Long-term cough
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Fatigue and weight loss
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Breathlessness
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Sometimes mild or moderate coughing up blood
Treatment: Long-term antifungal tablets (e.g. itraconazole or voriconazole)
⚠️ 2. Chronic Fibrosing Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CFPA)
Advanced stage of CPA
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Happens when long-term infection causes lung scarring (fibrosis)
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Lungs become stiff, making breathing harder
Symptoms:
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Worsening breathlessness
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Low oxygen levels
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Severe fatigue
Treatment: Focuses on antifungals, symptom relief, and oxygen if needed
🟢 3. Simple Aspergilloma
A single fungal ball in a lung cavity
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A round ball of fungus (aspergilloma) forms in an existing lung cavity
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Often found during scans done for other reasons
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Some people have no symptoms at all
Main risk: Coughing up blood (sometimes serious)
Treatment:
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Monitoring if mild
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Surgery or embolisation if bleeding occurs
🔴 4. Subacute Invasive Aspergillosis (SAIA or CNPA)
Faster-moving form of CPA
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Occurs over weeks to months
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Often seen in people with weaker immune systems (e.g. due to diabetes, steroids, or alcohol dependence)
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Infection starts to invade deeper lung tissue
Symptoms:
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Fever
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Worsening breathlessness
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Severe weight loss
Treatment: Prompt antifungal treatment and close medical monitoring
🟡 5. Aspergillus Nodules
Small lumps caused by Aspergillus
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These are solid nodules in the lungs, often found by chance on a CT scan
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They may be mistaken for cancer at first
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Often cause no symptoms
Treatment:
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Usually watch and wait
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Sometimes surgery or biopsy if uncertain
🩺 Why Knowing Your CPA Type Matters
Understanding your CPA type helps your medical team:
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Choose the best treatment for you
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Monitor for bleeding or lung damage
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Decide when to repeat scans or adjust medication
💬 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
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Which type of CPA do I have?
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Will I need long-term antifungal treatment?
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How often should I have scans or blood tests?
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What should I do if I cough up blood?
🧘 Final Note
CPA is a chronic condition, but many people manage it well with the right treatment and regular check-ups. You are not alone — support and information are available.
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