BACK
    TO
    TOP
    Print-Friendly
    Bookmarks
    bookmarks-menu

    Pulmonary nocardiosis

    Nocardiosis - pulmonary; Mycetoma; Nocardia

    Pulmonary nocardiosis is an infection of the lung with Nocardia bacteria.

    Causes

    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 with a weak immune system are at a high risk for nocardia infection. This includes people who have:

    • Been taking steroids or other medicines that weaken the immune system for a long time
    • Cushing disease
    • An organ transplant
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Lymphoma (a type of cancer)

    Other people at risk include those with long-term (chronic) lung problems related to smoking, emphysema, or tuberculosis.

    Symptoms

    Pulmonary nocardiosis mainly affects the lungs. But, nocardiosis can also spread to other organs in the body. Common symptoms may include:

    ENTIRE BODY

    GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM

    LUNGS AND AIRWAYS

    MUSCLES AND JOINTS

    NERVOUS SYSTEM

    • Change in mental state
    • Confusion
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
    • Seizures
    • Changes in vision

    SKIN

    Exams and Tests

    Your health care provider 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:

    Treatment

    The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Antibiotics are used, but it may take a while to get better. Your provider will tell you how long you need to take the medicines. This may be for up to a year.

    Surgery may be needed to remove or drain infected areas.

    Your provider may tell you to stop taking any medicines that weaken your immune system. Never stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider first.

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    The outcome is often good when the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly.

    The outcome is poor when:

    • The infection spreads outside the lung.
    • Treatment is delayed.
    • The person has a serious disease that leads to or requires long-term suppression of the immune system.

    Possible Complications

    Complications of pulmonary nocardiosis may include:

    When to Contact a Medical Professional

    Contact your provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the chance of a good outcome.

    Prevention

    Be careful when using corticosteroids. Use these medicines sparingly, in the lowest effective doses and for the shortest period of time possible.

    Some people with a weak immune system may need to take antibiotics for long period of time or indefinitely to prevent the infection from returning.

    Open References

    References

    Dockrell DH, Ho A, Gordon SB. Community-acquired pneumonia. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King Jr TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46.

    Southwick FS. Nocardiosis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 306.

      • Respiratory system

        Respiratory system - illustration

        Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

        Respiratory system

        illustration

        • Respiratory system

          Respiratory system - illustration

          Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

          Respiratory system

          illustration

        Review Date: 8/19/2024

        Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
        © 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.