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.
Looking for the patient version?
© 2026 MyEClinic – IFTM Institut für Telematik in der Medizin GmbH
