Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)
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Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)
the immune system, such as steroids, also have a higher risk of PCP. This is especially true if they also have one of the conditions listed above, such as a transplant. пїЅ пїЅ
What are the symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia? " пїЅ The symptoms of PCP can include: пїЅ пїЅ
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " пїЅ Yes. If you have HIV or another condition that weakens your immune system, and some or all of the symptoms above, see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible. PCP can be very serious. It is important to get treatment right away. пїЅ пїЅ
Will I need tests? " пїЅ Probably. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. He or she will probably do a chest X-ray to look for infection in your lungs. пїЅ пїЅ
If the chest X-ray does not show infection, your doctor might do an imaging test called a CT scan" if he or she still thinks you could have PCP. A CT scan creates a better image of the inside of your body than an X-ray does. пїЅ пїЅ
How is Pneumocystis pneumonia treated? " пїЅ PCP is treated with medicines to kill the fungus that causes it. These include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (brand names: Bactrim, Septra), atovaquone (brand name: Mepron), and other medicines. пїЅ пїЅ
Depending on your situation, your doctor might also give you steroid medicine to help your lungs get better. Steroids help by reducing inflammation in your lungs. This medicine is not the same as the steroids athletes take to build up muscle. пїЅ пїЅ
Some people can take medicine at home, but many people need treatment in the hospital. People who are treated in the hospital might get medicine into their vein through a tube called an "IV. " пїЅ Some people also get extra oxygen to help them breathe more easily. People who are having a very hard time breathing might be treated with a breathing machine called a "ventilator. " пїЅ пїЅ пїЅ
How soon will I feel better? " пїЅ Most people start to feel better 4 to 7 days after they start taking medicine. If you do not start feeling better, the doctor can give you a different medicine or give you medicine through an IV. пїЅ пїЅ
Can Pneumocystis pneumonia be prevented? " пїЅ Sometimes. Doctors can give antibiotics to people with certain medical conditions, such as HIV, and to some people with lowered immune systems who are also taking steroid pills or getting IV steroid medicines for a long time. The antibiotics help prevent PCP. пїЅ пїЅ
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ
пїЅ пїЅ 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ
- Fever
- Cough " пїЅ Most people have a dry cough that does not bring up mucus
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling tired
- Chills
- Chest pain, especially when taking a deep breath
- Losing weight without trying
- Tests on fluid from your lungs
- Blood tests
Pneumonia
"Alveoli" are air sacs in your lungs that are surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The air sacs have thin walls that allow the exchange of gases. When blood flows through the capillaries around the air sacs, it picks up oxygen that you have breathed in and dumps off carbon dioxide that you then breathe out. But if you have pneumonia, your alveoli swell and fill with fluid. This makes you cough and makes it hard to breathe.
Graphic 55943 Version 6.0
Pneumonia
"Alveoli" are air sacs in your lungs that are surrounded by tiny blood vessels called capillaries. The air sacs have thin walls that allow the exchange of gases. When blood flows through the capillaries around the air sacs, it picks up oxygen that you have breathed in and dumps off carbon dioxide that you then breathe out. But if you have pneumonia, your alveoli swell and fill with fluid. This makes you cough and makes it hard to breathe.
Graphic 55943 Version 6.0