Pneumocystis pneumonia
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Pneumocystis pneumonia | |
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Synonyms | PCP, Pneumocystosis |
Pronounce | N/A |
Specialty | N/A |
Symptoms | Cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain |
Complications | Respiratory failure, pneumothorax |
Onset | Gradual |
Duration | Weeks to months |
Types | N/A |
Causes | Pneumocystis jirovecii |
Risks | HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplantation |
Diagnosis | Chest X-ray, CT scan, sputum culture, bronchoalveolar lavage |
Differential diagnosis | Bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis, fungal infections |
Prevention | Prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) |
Treatment | Antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, pentamidine) |
Medication | Corticosteroids for severe cases |
Prognosis | Variable, depends on underlying conditions |
Frequency | Common in HIV/AIDS patients |
Deaths | Significant if untreated |
Pneumocystis pneumonia (also known as PCP) is a form of pneumonia, an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli, that is caused by the yeast-like fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii.
Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]
The most common symptoms of PCP are cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can include chills, night sweats, chest pain, and fatigue.
Cause[edit | edit source]
PCP is caused by the yeast-like fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii. It is not known exactly how this organism is spread, but it is believed to be airborne.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of PCP can be challenging, as the symptoms are similar to those of other forms of pneumonia. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by identifying Pneumocystis jirovecii in a sample of lung tissue or fluid.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for PCP typically involves a combination of antibiotics and corticosteroids. The specific medications used may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's overall health.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
With treatment, most people with PCP can recover. However, the condition can be life-threatening, particularly in those with weakened immune systems.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of PCP involves taking steps to avoid exposure to Pneumocystis jirovecii and to strengthen the immune system.
See also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD