How Do I Know If I Have Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia

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Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)

Based on a small study, if standard therapy doesn't work, patients might be able to use Neutrexin (trimetrexate) combined with Leucovorin (folinic acid.) Can PCP Be Prevented? The best way to prevent PCP is to use strong ART. People who have less than 200 CD4 cells can prevent PCP by taking the same medications used for PCP treatment. Another way to reduce the risk of PCP is not to smoke, or to stop smoking. HIV-positive smokers develop PCP...

Ask the Experts

pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

is a protozoal or atypical fungal infection?...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

It is an atypical fungal infection.... Read more »

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

What are some of the latest developments in preventing and treating this infection?...

Response from Judith Currier, M.D.

University of CA, LA School of Medicine

THe best prevention is for people who have T cells below 200 cells to take trimethprim-sulfamethoxazole (bactrim) either daily or 3 times per week. For those allergic to sulfa, either dapsone, aerosolozed pentamidine or atovaquone(mepron) can be... Read more »

Pneumocystis carinii

Dr. Feinberg,I just had bio dermal screening done and it mentioned that I had pneumocystis carinii in the bladder region which they told me was a parasite. I was told if I took wormwood that it would go away. I am reading that this is mostly...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

i must confess that I don't know what "biodermal screening" is, but Pneumocystis does not occur in the bladder region, whether you're HIV+ or not. I'd advise to you get some confirmation of the diagnosis you were given.... Read more »

Active pneumocystis pneumonia

My son was diagnosed with AIDS at the same time he came down with pneumocystis (disgnosed through bronchoscopy & samples). He was treated with Bactrim; when that produced no improvement, they started pentamidine, with Retrovir and Epivir. He is...

Response from Judith Feinberg, M.D.

University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine

The chances of survival are not fantastic in this situation, but they're not zero, either. It's hard to come up with an exact figure, but cases this severe have about a 10-20% survival rate. The lungs can sometimes be so damaged from the... Read more »

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Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP)

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

Hello all. Does anyone know of any newer meds for the prevention of another episode PCP? I have tried with fail: Bactrim (allergic to sulfa), Dapsone (causes severe rashs), Pentamidine (if anyone has ever used it you'll know what it does). I am... Read more »

PCP How could you not know ?

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I read that there are symptoms for PCP but I also read of people just waking up in Hospital with PCP; how can someone not know they have PCP ? Fever and dry cough are not something you do not notice, is it that some people are just completely out of... Read more »

Does anyone know

Posted by franfrog, 4 Replies

When I came out of the hospital from my PCP and diagnosis of AIDS, I had applied for Social Security disability. I was pretty sure I would not get it but was hoping even for the medicaid part of it. While I was on vacation I received a letter from... Read more »

PCP

Posted by Anonym, 2 Replies

What are the symptoms of PCP...if you have been through it please let me know..thanks Read more »

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