Aspergillosis is usually caused by breathing in tiny bits of mould.

The mould is found in lots of places, including:

• soil, compost and rotting leaves
• plants, trees and crops
• dust
• bedding
• damp buildings
• air conditioning systems

You cannot catch aspergillosis from someone else or from animals.

Aspergillosis is rare in healthy people. Most people who breathe in the mould do not get ill.

You're usually only at risk of aspergillosis if you have:

• a lung condition, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• a weakened immune system (for example, if you've had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy)
• had tuberculosis (TB) in the past
• had severe flu or COVID-19 and needed help breathing with artificial ventilation

Symptoms of aspergillosis include:

• shortness of breath
• a cough – you may cough up blood or lumps of mucus
• wheezing
• a high temperature
• losing weight without trying
• feeling tired

If you already have a lung condition, your symptoms may get worse.

See a GP if:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

It can be difficult to diagnose aspergillosis and may take time. A GP will check your symptoms are not being caused by something else, like a chest infection.

If they're not sure what's causing your symptoms, they may refer you to a specialist for tests such as:

• X-rays and scans
• blood tests or tests on a sample of mucus
• allergy tests
• a bronchoscopy (where a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end is used to look inside your lungs)

Treatment for aspergillosis depends on the type you have and usually aims to help control the symptoms.

If it's not treated or well controlled, there's a risk it could damage your lungs.

It's almost impossible to completely avoid aspergillus mould.

But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting aspergillosis if you have a lung condition or weakened immune system.

Find out more

• Aspergillosis Patient and Carer Support