When she was just 26 years old, Lisa McNeil had a pulmonary embolism (a condition in which a blood clot gets stuck in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow). She later developed bronchiectasis due to her health issues. In fact, her respiratory function caused so many issues that McNeil underwent a lobectomy to remove part of her lung and give herself a better life. Yet her health issues continued. As shared by the BBC, McNeil soon began developing lung infections that failed to respond to antibiotic treatment. It took over ten years before McNeil was finally diagnosed with aspergillus bronchitis, formed by Aspergillus fungal exposure.

Prior to her diagnosis, McNeil felt worn out and frustrated. She couldn’t understand why treatments were not providing any improvement, or why doctors couldn’t figure out what was happening. It wasn’t until she was referred to the National Aspergillosis Centre that answers began emerging. Although finding a diagnosis in 2011 gave a name to her experience, there was little information available on what aspergillus bronchitis was. But doctors reassured her that her condition would improve with anti-fungal treatments.

Within weeks, McNeil’s condition was improving. She felt better than she had in years. And then it hit her: she had to advocate and raise her voice so that others didn’t go through the same experience. She became a trustee of the Aspergillosis Trust. Additionally, McNeil has fervently spread awareness and encouraged others with unexplained respiratory issues to consider fungal causes.

Aspergillus Bronchitis: An Overview

According to the NHS National Aspergillosis Centre, aspergillus bronchitis is:

a chronic illness where the Aspergillus fungus causes an infection in the large airways (bronchi). Aspergillus spores are found everywhere but you might breathe in particularly large amounts if you have mold in your home or spend a lot of time gardening.

Those with abnormal airways, such as those with bronchiectasis or cystic fibrosis (CF), are at a higher risk of developing Aspergillus bronchitis, as are people who are immunocompromised. You cannot become infected with Aspergillus bronchitis from other people; infection only happens from exposure to the spores. Symptoms can include:

• Long-lasting or recurrent chest infection that fails to improve with antibiotic treatment
• Shortness of breath
• Chronic cough that may produce mucus or blood
• Wheezing
• Unintentional weight loss
• High fever