Description A lung infection (p...
Description
A lung infection (pneumonia) caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jiroveci (originally called Pneumocystis carinii). This fungus 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
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Examination of the sputum can sometimes identify the Pneumocystis fungus. 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 fungus. An x-ray or CT scan will be done to determine the extent of the lung infection. Blood tests may also be done.
Tests:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), Bronchoscopy, Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Sputum culture, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine, HIV and AIDS Specialist
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. Examination of the sputum can sometimes identify the Pneumocystis fungus. 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 fungus. An x-ray or CT scan will be done to determine the extent of the lung infection. Blood tests may also be done.
Tests:
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), Bronchoscopy, Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Sputum culture, X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine, HIV and AIDS Specialist
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.