Health Dictionary Find a Doctor

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia natural history

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Overview

Pneumocystis pneumonia can be life threatening, causing respiratory failure that can lead to death. People with this condition need early and effective treatment. For moderate to severe pneumocystis pneumonia in people with AIDS, the short term use of corticosteroids has decreased death.

Complications

Complications

Possible Complications

  • Pleural effusion (extremely rare)
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
  • Respiratory failure (may require breathing support)
Prognosis

Prognosis

Typically, in untreated PCP increasing pulmonary involvement leads to death.

References

References

Template:WH Template:WS

Looking for the patient version?

Back to the patient-friendly article

© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH