Signs & Symptoms of Pneumocystis Pneumonia

Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is caused by a fungal infection in the lungs. PCP presents most often in people who have immune system issues that may have been caused by HIV infection, cancers, use of certain medications, solid organ transplants and bone marrow transplants.

PCP is a common infection for people with AIDS, but the illness typically develops slowly and is much less severe than in people without AIDS who contract PCP. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, the rate of death among people without AIDS who develop PCP is high, at about 30 to 60 percent.

Low-grade Fever

• While having a low-grade fever is common in many illnesses, it is also a sign of pneumocystis pneumonia. Low-grade fever is defined as an adult body temperature that between 99.8 and 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit. You shouldn't necessarily worry about a low-grade fever in the absence of other symptoms or risk factors for pneumocystis, but if you are at a higher risk for this type of pneumonia, then definitely consult your doctor.

Non-Productive Cough

• A non-productive cough is a typically a minor cough that doesn't result in much mucous in the cough. Non-productive coughs are normally dry and may present as just a tickle in the throat. While this symptom alone does not necessarily mean that you have pneumocystis pneumonia, if you have immune system issues, carefully monitor your non-productive cough and update your doctor about your symptoms.

Rapid Breathing

• Rapid or shallow breathing is a symptom of a larger problem with your lungs. Depending upon the severity of the rapid or shallow breathing, you may need to be seen by an emergency room physician. Other breathing problems associated with pneumocystis pneumonia include shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. In populations that are not living with HIV/AIDS, this symptom is very pronounced and leads to insufficient functioning of the lungs.