What should you know about PJP pneumonia?

PJP, also called Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, is an infection affecting the lungs. It is more likely when the immune system is weakened. A dry or persistent cough, fever, chills and increasing breathlessness may occur, but symptoms can overlap with COVID-19, Influenza and other causes of Pneumonia. A clinician may assess oxygen levels, listen to the chest, and arrange tests to clarify the cause.

Contact a clinician promptly if you have a new cough, fever or breathlessness and a weakened immune system. Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and tell the treating team about medicines, allergies and immune-related conditions. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoke. Do not wait for a cough to become severe before arranging assessment, because lung infection can progress while symptoms still seem manageable.

Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse, or inability to speak in full sentences. Seek urgent review for rapidly worsening breathlessness, persistent high fever, chest pain, or unusual drowsiness. Sepsis can develop from serious infection; feeling suddenly much more unwell with fast breathing, confusion or faintness needs emergency attention.

Ask which tests are needed, whether your immune condition changes the treatment plan, how to monitor breathing at home, and what symptoms require hospital care.