Pulmonary nocardiosis is an infection of the lung with the bacteria, Nocardia asteroides.
Alternative Names
Nocardiosis - pulmonary
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Nocardia infection develops when you breathe in (inhale) the bacteria. The infection causes pneumonia-like symptoms. The infection can spread to any part of the body.
People at highest risk for nocardia infection are those with a weakened immune system. This includes people who have:
Been taking steroids or other medicines that weaken the immune system for a long time
Your doctor or nurse will examine you and listen to your lungs using a stethoscope. You may have abnormal lung sounds, called crackles. Tests that may be done include:
Bronchoalveolar lavage - fluid is sent for stain and culture
The goal of treatment is to control the infection. Antibiotics are used, but it may take a while to get better. You must keep taking the medications for at least 3 months.
Surgery may be needed to remove or drain infected areas.
Your health care provider may tell you to stop taking any medicines that weaken your immune system. Never stop taking any medicine before talking to your health provider first.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is often good when diagnosed and treated quickly.,
The outcome is poor when the infection spreads outside the lung, treatment is delayed, or the patient has serious underlying diseases.
Review Date:
8/30/2012
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
