Pneumonia

An inflammation of the lungs caused by infection, which occurs in a person whose mechanisms to fight infection are severely impaired. Because defense mechanisms are limited in immunocompromised patients, they are susceptible to infections by microorganisms that are present everywhere, but do not cause disease in healthy people. They are also more susceptible to the usual causes of pneumonia, which can affect anyone. In order to prevent pneumonia you should take as your doctor prescribed your medication (sulfametoxazole and trimethoprime) and limit exposure to others who are ill.

 

 

 

Symptoms are: cough, nonproductive (dry cough) or with mucus-like, greenish, or pus-like sputum, chills with shaking, fever, easy fatigue, chest pain, sharp or stabbing, increased by deep breathing, increased by coughing, headache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, general discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling, shortness of breath. Additional symptoms: joint stiffness (rare), muscular stiffness (rare), glands-swollen, sweating, excessive or night sweats.

Signs and tests: Crackles or other abnormal breath sounds may be heard when listening to the chest with stethoscope. Lack of breath sounds can be an important sign. Tests include: chest X-ray, sputum gram stain, CBC, arterial blood gases, bronchoscopy.

Treatment: The goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection with antimicrobial therapy (antibiotics or antifungal agents usually). The specific agent used will depend on the sensitivity of the organism causing the problem as determined by a culture or special stains. Respiratory treatments to remove secretions and oxygen therapy are often indicated. The outcome may be poor if the pneumonia is caused by a virus or fungus, or if the patient is severely immunosuppressed. Complications: respiratory failure.

 

Call your health care provider if you are immunosuppressed and symptoms of pneumonia develop.