Rishikesh, May 3, 2025 – The Department of Pulmonary Medicine at AIIMS Rishikesh organized a significant workshop on Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) and Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA). Participating online, Executive Director of AIIMS, Professor (Dr.) Meenu Singh emphasized that ABPA and CPA are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed conditions. She stressed the need to raise awareness among physicians to enable accurate diagnosis, which can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.
Professor Dr. Ritesh Agarwal (PGIMER, Chandigarh) delivered a lecture on the diagnosis, treatment, and common misconceptions surrounding ABPA-CPA overlap. Associate Professor Dr. Inderpal Singh Sehgal (PGIMER, Chandigarh) provided in-depth insights into the diagnosis and treatment of CPA. Professor Dr. Ruchi Dua (AIIMS Rishikesh) discussed the burden of ABPA and CPA in India.
The workshop aimed to familiarize doctors with the latest treatment protocols to ensure better care for patients. Amid rising respiratory diseases in Uttarakhand, this initiative is a critical step toward strengthening healthcare services.
Key participants in the workshop included Dean (Research) Prof. Shailendra Shankar Handu, Head of Pulmonary Medicine Prof. Girish Sindhwani, Co-Chair of the Workshop and Head of General Medicine Prof. Ravikant, Prof. Ruchi Dua, Prof. Mayank Mishra, Additional Professor Dr. Prakhar Sharma, and Associate Professor Dr. Lokesh Kumar Saini, among others.
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Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Types
Pulmonary Aspergillosis is a serious lung disorder caused by the fungus Aspergillus, which is commonly found in the environment. Individuals with asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, or tuberculosis (TB) are at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Symptoms may include:
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Chronic cough
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Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
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Weight loss
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath
There are two main types:
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Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA) – Caused by an allergic reaction to Aspergillus antigens, commonly seen in asthma or cystic fibrosis patients.
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Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA) – A long-term infection that typically affects individuals with pre-existing lung conditions.
At the AIIMS Rishikesh workshop, in-depth discussions were held on the importance of accurate diagnosis and management of these disorders.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
Pulmonary Aspergillosis is diagnosed through imaging methods like CT scans and blood tests. Treatment may include antifungal medications, surgical interventions, or a combination of both.
Prof. Meenu Singh stated that enhanced awareness among healthcare professionals can lead to timely and accurate diagnoses, thereby reducing complications and fatalities. Patients with underlying lung conditions should undergo regular medical check-ups. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent the condition from worsening. Institutions like AIIMS Rishikesh are playing a leading role in managing ABPA and CPA in Uttarakhand, where respiratory diseases are on the rise.
