Coccidiodomycosis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Some people have no symptoms of valley fever. Others have:

Flu-like symptoms that lasts for weeks or a month
Fatigue that lasts longer than a few weeks
Fever
Cough
Chest pain
Chill
Night sweats
Headache
Aching in the joints
Shortness of breath
Rash that consists of painful red bumps

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Tests may include the following:

Blood tests to look for the presence of antibodies to defend against the fungus
Sputum smear or culture to look for the presence of the fungus in the sputum (mucus or phlegm that is coughed up)

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.