How hard is it to diagnose Pneumocystis pneumonia ? ?!


Question: How hard is it to diagnose Pneumocystis pneumonia !? !?
like with a blood test , lung x-ray whatever doctors do !. Would it show up or could a doctor miss it !? Because someone in my family has been really sick and the doctors do not know what it is !. He thought it was regular pneumonia but not anymore !. Though i looked stuff up and the symptoms of Pneumocystis pneumonia matches up , though the only thing that doesn't is people who contract this diseases are usually HIV positive/or have weak immune systems !. Though i don't know much about this or anything i'm just worried!.



Thank you


Www@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
Pneumocystis carinii (jiroveci) pneumonia (PCP) is a type of bacterial infection generally contracted by patients with suppressed immune systems!. Patients at risk for PCP include those with HIV/AIDS, blood cancers, recently treated with chemotherapy, transplant patients, on immune modulating drugs, genetic disorders, and more!.

Typical symptoms include a dry cough and progressive fatigue and shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion!.

Diagnosing PCP is relatively simple!. In the right clinical setting, doctors may decide to treat for PCP without requiring a definite diagnosis!. Sometimes PCP may be diagnosed by examine the sputum cytology (cells)!. In the US, it is more often done via bronchoscopy!. Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive technique where a thin, flexible camera is inserted into the nose or mouth, down the trachea, and into the lungs!. Cells samples and tissue biopsies may be sent for analysis!. This is often an outpatient procedure!.

There may be other reasons for your family member's illness!. Besides infections, other possibilities may include malignancies, interstitial lung disease, autoimmune disorders, and much more!. You should discuss your concerns with your doctor!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

It is usually diagnosed by a biopsy taken during bronchoscopy (threading a tube containing a miniature camera into the lungs)!.
One doesn't have to be HIV+ to get it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com





The consumer health information on answer-health.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
The answer content post by the user, if contains the copyright content please contact us, we will immediately remove it.
Copyright © 2007-2011 answer-health.com -   Terms of Use -   Contact us

Health Categories