Pneumocystis Pneumonia (Pcp)
Description
A lung infection (pneumonia) caused by the bacteria Pneumocystis jiroveci. This bacteria typically only causes disease in patients with depressed immune systems such as patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or those receiving chemotherapy. Some patients with weakened immune systems are placed on antibiotics to prevent the disease.
Symptoms
Fever, cough, shortness of breath, breathing problems, chest tightness, chest pain.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. Examination of the sputum can sometimes identify the Pneumocystis bacteria. Sometimes a tube is inserted through the mouth into the breathing tubes of the lung (bronchoscopy) to obtain fluid or tissue to look for the bacteria. A x-ray or CT scan will be done to determine the extent of the lung infection. Blood tests may also be done.
- ABG
- Bronchoscopy
- CBC
- CT Scan
- Sputum culture
- X-Ray
Treatment
Treatment involves giving antibiotics either orally or through an intravenous line. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra) and pentamidine are the most common medications used. The patient may require oxygen and patients that are very sick may require mechanical ventilation.
Related Videos
Research
- Family Practice
- Infectious Disease Medicine
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pediatrics
- Pulmonology
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