Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis

Pneumocystis Pneumonia General Information

Individuals who are already suffering from a certain medical condition and become infected with Pneumocystis Pneumonia are known to experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties, cough, fever, and so on. This medical disorder is especially common among young children and among elderly individuals. As the disorder progresses, its symptoms become more severe (they worsen) and other clinical manifestations start to develop. For example, the patient’s skin, fingernails and lips may turn gray and / or blue.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis

In this chapter (Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis) we intend to familiarize you with a set of important information regarding the causes, risk factors and prevention options that are characteristic for this type of pneumonia (lung disorder). The fungal pathogen that causes this condition (commonly abbreviated as PCP) is an opportunistic organism. In other words, although it is present in the lungs of numerous individuals all over the world, it does not trigger any unpleasant manifestations (it does not trigger the pneumonia) unless the patient is already immuno-compromised. Only in such cases can the Pneumocystis carinii multiply and lead to the development of this lung disorder. Scientists have not been yet able to understand the mechanisms of this pathogen’s growth within the patient’s alveoli (which eventually are filled with the fungus). As the disorder progresses, the alveoli accumulate amounts of fluid, leading to severe tissue scarring. This determines a decreased respiratory function, lowering the amount of oxygen that is received by various organs of the human body. 

Studying the most effective Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis options also implies becoming acquainted with the high risk factors of developing this medical condition. Studies have shown that premature babies, individuals who present protein malnutrition or who are following a therapy with immuno-suppressive medical products (especially corticosteroid medicines) and individuals who are suffering from any type of immuno-deficient medical condition, are prone to developing this type of pneumonia. Most Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis guide-books recognize that the presence of AIDS (a severe immuno-deficiency syndrome) is the main risk factor for the developing of Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia.

Individuals who are known to present a high risk of experiencing this infectious medical condition may employ certain medicines in their prevention of this type of pneumonia. Low doses of TMP-SMX may be used for this purpose (the patient may be prescribed daily doses or a number of weekly doses of this medicine). However, due to the high toxicity of this medical product, no patient is allowed to start a therapy with this medication without the approval of their health care specialist. Studies regarding Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis are known to currently focus on the potential beneficial effects of Dapsone and Pentamidine, for the prevention of this lung medical condition. As individuals who have already suffered from this medical condition are known to be commonly prone to developing a recurrence of the disorder, several life-style modifications should be employed in order to diminish their chances of experiencing this lung disorder. Daily exercising, a healthy diet and quitting smoking may prove quite effective.

Pneumocystis Pneumonia Treatment