B46: Zygomycosis

B46.0: Pulmonary mucormycosis

The illness is caused by fungi. The fungi occur almost everywhere in the environment. Fungi produce resistant spores in order to propagate. Drafts can spread the spores around the environment. The fungal spores can get into the lungs and the digestive tract via the mouth or nose.

If we come into contact with fungi in this way, our immune system will usually destroy them. However, the fungi can sometimes spread through our body. This can happen when the immune system is weak, for example. The defense system can be weakened by certain illnesses or medicines.

The fungal spores have got into your lungs. When the lungs are affected it can cause coughing and a high fever. You may also have chest pain and breathing difficulties. You are usually severely ill.