Man Got Sick After a Strange Habit
A man in Chongqing, China, was hospitalized after doctors found a fungal infection in his lungs, believed to be caused by his habit of smelling his dirty socks every day after work.
The middle-aged office worker was treated at the Southwest Hospital for his lung infection
CT Scan Revealed Fungus in His Right Lung
Doctors ran a CT scan and MRI on him and saw unusual shadows in the lower part of his right lung. A subsequent bronchoscopy revealed that he had a lung infection caused by ‘Aspergillus’, a type of mold.
He Admitted to Sniffing Socks After Work
When questioned by doctors, the man admitted he had a habit of sniffing his socks after work every day, just before tossing them into the washing machine.
Dr Liang Peiqiang, from the hospital’s Department of Respiratory Medicine, took a pair of the man’s worn socks for lab testing.
The test found traces of ‘Aspergillus’ on the socks, confirming that his habit was likely the source of the infection.
What is Aspergillosis?
Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a mold called Aspergillus, which is found in many places, both indoors and outdoors.
According to Mayo Clinic, while most types of Aspergillus are harmless, some can cause serious lung infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung conditions.
In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the lungs and become more severe.
Why Smelling Dirty Socks Is Risky
Dr. Liang explained that worn socks usually contain sweat, salt, and urea. When socks are left inside warm, damp shoes, they create a perfect environment for mold to grow.
According to Sinar Harian, dirty socks can carry bacteria and fungi. Smelling them, even your own, increases the chances of inhaling harmful particles.
Mold Can Affect the Lungs
Mold releases tiny particles that can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing infections like Aspergillus. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream.
According to sources, ‘invasive aspergillosis’ which is the most serious form of the infection, can affect people with weakened immune systems or existing lung conditions.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medications, or in rare cases, surgery.
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