Pneumonia in immunocompromise... Health Article
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Definition
Pneumonia in an immunocompromised host describes a lung infection that occurs in a person whose ability to fight infection is greatly reduced. See also:
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
People who are immunocompromised have a defective immune response. Because of this, they are susceptible to infections by germs that do not cause disease in healthy people. They are also more vulnerable to the usual causes of pneumonia, which can affect anyone. Immunosuppression can be caused by HIV infection, leukemia, organ transplantation, bone marrow transplant, and medications to treat cancer.
Symptoms
Additional symptoms that may occur:
Signs and tests
The doctor may hear crackles or other abnormal breath sounds when listening to the chest with stethoscope. Lack of breath sounds can be an important sign. Tests may include:
Treatment
Antibiotics or antifungal medicines are used, depending on the specific germ that is causing the infection. Oxygen and respiratory treatments to remove fluid and mucus are often needed.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome may be poor if the pneumonia is caused by a virus or fungus, or if the patient is severely immunosuppressed.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you are immunosuppressed and you have symptoms of pneumonia.
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Reviewer Info: D. Scott Smith, MD., MSc., DTM., Prof. Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Dept. of Human Biology, Stanford Univ. School of Medicine, Stanford, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. ; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 08/06/2007 |
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