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Warning-sign checks

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for:

    • Severe or rapidly worsening difficulty breathing
    • Blue, grey or unusually pale lips or skin
    • Confusion, fainting or difficulty staying awake
    • Sudden chest pain with increased breathlessness
    • Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling or trouble breathing
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange prompt medical assessment if you have a weakened immune system and develop a new dry cough, fever, unexplained fatigue or increasing breathlessness.

    Do not wait for severe symptoms before seeking advice, because oxygen levels can fall gradually.

    If you are being treated for PJP, contact your treatment team promptly if symptoms are not improving, breathing becomes more difficult, you cannot keep medicine down, or you develop a new rash.

    Treatment side effects may require testing or a change of medicine.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is still important after symptoms improve.

    It is used to confirm recovery, monitor treatment effects and decide how long preventive medicine is needed.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.