Recognition of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a complicated inflammatory condition characterized by an allergic response to the fungus Aspergillus colonizing in the bronchus. It occurs most frequently in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Oral corticosteroids are the standard therapy for ABPA. Antifungal drugs can clear the fungi in the airway, reduce the body's antigen load, decrease the body's allergic reaction, and reduce corticosteroid requirement. Total serum IgE should be used as an index for efficacy assessment during treatment and follow-up.