Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 2, 2025.
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) is a lung infection caused by the Pneumocystis jiroveci fungus. PJP is most often seen in people with a weak immune system. PJP is an opportunistic infection. This means that when your immune system is not working well, it cannot fight off the fungus.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You cough up blood.
- You have severe pain in your chest or trouble breathing.
- Your lips or fingernails turn blue.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- Your skin is itchy, or you have a rash.
- You have chills, or you feel weak or achy.
- You have new signs or symptoms.
- You have trouble sleeping.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics prevent or fight a bacterial infection.
- Steroids help reduce swelling. This may help you breathe more easily.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Oxygen:
You may need extra oxygen to help you breathe easier. It may be given through a mask over your mouth and nose, or it may be given through nasal prongs. These are short, thin tubes that rest just inside your nose. Tell your healthcare provider if your nose gets dry or if you get redness or sores on your skin. Never smoke or let anyone else smoke in the same room while your oxygen is on. Doing so may cause a fire.
Prevent infections:
- Wash your hands often. Use soap, and wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
- Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Then wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
- Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Ask about vaccines you may need. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you should also get vaccines other than those listed below, and when to get them:
- Get an influenza (flu) vaccine as directed. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months or older. Get the vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October.
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine as directed. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months or older. COVID-19 vaccines are given as a shot in 1 to 3 doses, depending on the age of the person who receives it. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.
- Get a pneumonia vaccine as directed. The vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumonia should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors. Children routinely receive 4 doses of the pneumonia vaccine, starting at 2 months.
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Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your follow-up visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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