Symptoms of fungus in the body can vary depending on the type of fungus and the area of the body that is affected. Generally, fungal infections of the skin, nails, and hair cause itching, redness, and swelling. For example, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin that often causes itching, redness, and scaling.
Fungal infections of the lungs, such as aspergillosis, can cause coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Fungal infections of the sinuses can cause nasal congestion, facial pressure, and post-nasal drip. Fungal infections of the eyes can cause redness, itching, and blurry vision.
Fungal infections of the blood, known as systemic mycoses, can cause fever, chills, fatigue, and weight loss. Invasive fungal infections, which occur when the fungus enters through a wound or intravenous catheter, can cause severe symptoms, including organ damage, kidney failure, and death.
In some cases, fungal infections do not cause any symptoms, and the infection is only diagnosed when a routine test reveals the presence of the fungus. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, or if you experience any unexplained symptoms.