17th January 2024

Presentation 

The condition is clinically hard to distinguish from CF, and for these patients, the symptoms associated with ABPA may be no different to their usual symptoms other than potentially more pronounced. A careful history and examination will be needed alongside relevant investigations to determine if ABPA is the cause of their symptoms. In those with asthma, ABPA tends to only develop after asthma treatment is begun. Symptoms of the disease can include:

• Upper airway symptoms, e.g., in keeping with rhinitis or sinusitis
• Shortness of breath if fibrosis is present
• Wheeze – may not always be present
• Productive cough
• Haemoptysis
• Pleuritic chest pain
• Malaise
• Fever

In advanced disease, signs such as finger clubbing, cyanosis and peripheral oedema can occur. Crackles may also be heard if fibrosis is present on auscultation.