Man got a fungal infection on his lungs after repeatedly smelling his own socks; doctor explains how

Indian Express

24-04-2025

It started as an odd habit — one that seemed more quirky than consequential. But for a man from Chongqing, China, regularly sniffing his dirty socks after a long day turned into a serious medical ordeal. Identified only by the pseudonym Li Qi in a report by The Sun, the man began experiencing severe, unrelenting coughing fits that progressed into sleepless nights and bloodshot eyes. At first, he resorted to over-the-counter cough syrup, but his symptoms only worsened.
According to Dr Liang Peiqiang, chief physician in the hospital's Department of Respiratory Medicine, Li Qi's CT and MRI scans revealed signs of inflammation and infection in the lower right lung. A bronchoscopy confirmed the diagnosis: he was suffering from a fungal lung infection caused by the Aspergillus fungus — a condition medically referred to as aspergillosis.
Dr Peiqiang told the People's Daily Health Client that the patient's peculiar sock-sniffing habit may have exposed him to spores of the fungus. 'After hearing what he said, we realised that this habit of Li Qi might be the culprit that caused his lung inflammation,' he noted, as per The Sun.
What is Aspergillosis, and how dangerous is it?
To better understand the medical implications of this case, Dr Vikas Mittal, Director and Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, explained that Aspergillus is a common mould found in damp environments such as compost, rotting leaves, or even worn socks. 'Inhalation of these fungal spores is usually harmless to healthy individuals,' Dr Mittal said, 'but in people with compromised immunity or pre-existing lung conditions, the spores can colonise and lead to serious infections.'
In more severe cases, patients might cough up golden-brown mucus plugs or even blood. If untreated, the infection can invade lung tissue and become life-threatening. (/Thinkstock)
Dr Mittal emphasised that the severity of aspergillosis can vary — from mild allergic reactions to life-threatening invasive infections. 'The fungus thrives in areas of mucus buildup or structural lung damage,' he added, 'and symptoms often mimic conditions like tuberculosis, making diagnosis challenging.'
Can sniffing socks really lead to a fungal lung infection?
While it might sound bizarre, the connection isn't completely implausible. Dr Mittal clarified: 'Smelling dirty socks alone is unlikely to cause aspergillosis in a healthy individual. However, the habit may introduce a high load of fungal spores into the nasal and respiratory passages, especially if the socks are damp and kept in poorly ventilated environments.'
In Li Qi's case, the sock-sniffing was likely a contributing factor rather than the sole cause. 'It's more about the immune status of the individual,' said Dr Mittal. 'Those with chronic conditions like diabetes, HIV, or COPD are far more susceptible to such infections.'
The symptoms and treatment
Li Qi's symptoms — persistent cough, insomnia, and bloodshot eyes — were textbook signs of aspergillosis. In more severe cases, patients might cough up golden-brown mucus plugs or even blood. If untreated, the infection can invade lung tissue and become life-threatening.
Treatment for aspergillosis generally involves antifungal medication, with voriconazole being the standard choice. Dr Mittal stressed the importance of early diagnosis: 'The prognosis is usually good with timely treatment, but delays can result in the infection spreading and becoming much harder to control.'
Prevention: What you should know
As a cautionary note, Dr Mittal advised that immunocompromised individuals — including those undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, or people with uncontrolled diabetes — should avoid environments where mould is likely to grow. That includes damp laundry, poorly ventilated rooms, and yes, funky gym socks. 'Maintaining basic hygiene and ensuring good air circulation at home are simple but effective preventive measures,' he said.