ABPA
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
ABPA stands for Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, a respiratory abbreviation.
Allergic reaction to the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus colonizing the airways, occurring mainly in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis. It causes poorly controlled asthma, coughing up brown mucus plugs, fleeting lung opacities and, over time, central bronchiectasis.
Example: Asthma with total IgE 2,400 IU/mL, Aspergillus-specific IgE positive and central bronchiectasis on CT: ABPA.
Usage notes
Diagnostic criteria rely on markedly elevated total IgE, Aspergillus sensitization, eosinophilia and characteristic CT findings such as high-attenuation mucus. Oral corticosteroids and antifungals such as itraconazole are mainstays, with biologic therapies used for steroid-dependent disease. Total IgE levels are tracked to detect relapse.
Related abbreviations
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- A-a gradient – Alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient
- AATD – Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- AC – Assist-control ventilation
- AECOPD – Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- AERD – Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease
- AHI – Apnea-hypopnea index
- AHRF – Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
- APAP – Automatic positive airway pressure
- APRV – Airway pressure release ventilation
- ARDS – Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- ARF – Acute respiratory failure
- ATS – American Thoracic Society
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.