Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Pneumocystis pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs. The infection is extremely rare in healthy people. It most frequently occurs in people whose natural disease-fighting system (immune system) is weak.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by breathing in a fungus called Pneumocystis jiroveci.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Common symptoms of this condition include:

• Fever.
• Mild or dry cough.
• Shortness of breath, especially with any physical activity.
• Rapid breathing.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed with tests, such as:

• A test in which a sample of fluid or tissue from your lungs is looked at under a microscope (immunologic stain). To get the sample, you may be asked to cough into a tissue. Or, a small, flexible tube will be guided to your lungs through your nose or mouth to get the sample (bronchoscopy).
• A chest X-ray.
• Blood tests.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated with antibiotic medicine. Sometimes it is also treated with a medicine to reduce inflammation (steroid). Treatment may begin before test results confirm your diagnosis. This is because the condition is very serious. Treatment may take several weeks.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Take your antibiotic medicine as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can make your condition worse.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

How is this prevented?

If you are at high risk for getting this condition again, your health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent this from happening.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Any of your symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• You have diarrhea.
• You have a skin rash.