Pentamidine, dapsone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are the most available and most commonly used agents. Pentamidine may be given in aerosolized form both as treatment and to prevent reinfection. For preventive measures, nebulized pentamidine is given once a month. Because PCP causes problems with gas exchange within the lung, oxygen is often required to maintain normal oxygen levels. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia can be life threatening and death may occur due to respiratory failure.
Early treatment reduces the death rate.
People with AIDS may have repeated infections. For these people pneumocystis pneumonia may be a terminal event. Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you belong to a high-risk group and have developed a fever , cough , or any type of breathing difficulty . This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli.