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. � �
What are the symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia? " � The symptoms of PCP can include: � �
- Fever
- Cough " � 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
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � 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. � �
Will I need tests? " � 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. � �
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. � �
You might also have other tests. These can include: � �
- Tests on fluid from your lungs
- Blood tests
How is Pneumocystis pneumonia treated? " � 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. � �
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. � �
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. " � 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. " � � �
How soon will I feel better? " � 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. � �
Can Pneumocystis pneumonia be prevented? " � 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. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17209 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
figure 1
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
View Originalfigure 1
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
View Original
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