Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Nocardiosis - pulmonaryDefinition Return to top
Pulmonary nocardiosis is an infection of the lung that is caused by the fungus-like bacterium Nocardia asteroides.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Nocardia infection develops when you inhale the bacteria. The infection causes pneumonia-like symptoms but is often not limited to the lungs. Infection can spread to any part of the body, but brain and skin infections are the most common complications.
In the US, there are 500-1,000 new cases of nocardia infection diagnosed each year.
People at highest risk for nocardia infection are people with impaired immune systems, including people with HIV, people receiving chronic therapy with steroid medication, and people who have received organ transplants. People suffering chronic lung problems related to smoking, emphysema, or other infections such as tuberculosis are also at increased risk.
Pulmonary (lung) manifestations of nocardiosis are more common in children than adults.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to control the infection. Antibiotics are used, but the response to treatment may be slow and the medications must be continued for at least 6 months. Patients who have medication allergies will need to take alternative antibiotics.
Surgery may be needed to remove or drain infected areas.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The probable outcome is generally good when diagnosis and treatment are prompt. Outcome is poor when the infection is widespread and treatment has been delayed.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. Early diagnosis and treatment may possibly improve the chance of a good outcome.Prevention Return to top
Caution when using corticosteroids may be helpful - these drugs should be used sparingly and in the lowest effective doses and for the shortest periods of time possible when they are needed.
Some patients with impaired immune systems may need to take antibiotics for long periods of time to prevent the infection from recurring.
Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |