Symptoms of blastomycosis
Learn about the symptoms of blastomycosis, what to look for and what to do if you become ill.
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What are the symptoms of blastomycosis?
Symptoms can range from a mild cough that does not go away to serious breathing problems. It may take 21 to 45 days or more before you develop symptoms.
Some people may not show any symptoms. Others may develop a long-term form of pneumonia (a lung infection).
Blastomycosis can also cause small bumps, warts or open sores (ulcers) on the skin. They generally appear on the face and the ends of the limbs, such as the hands and feet. There is often little swelling at first.
However, the sores can quickly become more severe. They can turn into abscesses (swollen pockets containing pus) that are often under the skin but can involve any organ.
The disease usually begins by affecting the lungs but can eventually spread to the:
- bones
- kidneys
- brain and spinal cord
- stomach and intestines
What do you do if you become ill?
Consult a health care provider if you have the listed symptoms. Getting treatment as soon as possible greatly increases your chances of recovery.