BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuPulmonary nocardiosisNocardiosis - pulmonary; Mycetoma; NocardiaPulmonary 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.PneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 Cushing diseaseCushing disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland is an organ of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An organ transplant HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lymphoma (a type of cancer)CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other people at risk include those with long-term (chronic) lung problems related to smoking, emphysema, or tuberculosis.EmphysemaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Pulmonary nocardiosis mainly affects the lungs. But, nocardiosis can also spread to other organs in the body. Common symptoms may include:ENTIRE BODYFever (comes and goes) FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article General ill feeling (malaise) MalaiseMalaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Night sweats GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM Nausea Liver and spleen swelling (hepatosplenomegaly) HepatosplenomegalyEnlarged liver refers to swelling of the liver beyond its normal size. Hepatomegaly is another word to describe this problem. If both the liver and ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of appetite Unintentional weight loss Unintentional weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Vomiting LUNGS AND AIRWAYS Breathing difficulty Breathing difficultyBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain not due to heart problems Coughing up blood or mucus Coughing up bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rapid breathing Shortness of breath MUSCLES AND JOINTS Joint painJoint painJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article NERVOUS SYSTEM Change in mental state Confusion ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dizziness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Headache HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changes in visionSKIN Skin rashes or lumps RashesRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin sores (abscesses) AbscessesAn abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swollen lymph nodesSwollen lymph nodesLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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:Bronchoalveolar lavage -- fluid is sent for stain and culture, which is taken by bronchoscopy BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT Chest CTA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI scan of the chest MRI scan of the chestA chest MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create pictures of the chest (...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pleural fluid culture and stain Pleural fluid culturePleural fluid culture is a test that examines a sample of fluid that has been collected in the pleural space to see if you have an infection to help ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sputum stain and cultureCultureRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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:Brain abscesses Brain abscessesA brain abscess is a collection of pus, immune cells, and other material in the brain, caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin infections Kidney infections 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 ReferencesReferencesDockrell 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.AllVideoImagesTogRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationRespiratory system - illustration Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.Respiratory systemillustrationRelated Information Chronic(Special Topic)Pulmonary tuberculosis(Condition)Brain abscess(Condition) 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- All rights reserved. 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Pulmonary nocardiosisNocardiosis - pulmonary; Mycetoma; NocardiaPulmonary 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.PneumoniaPneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This type of pneu...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 Cushing diseaseCushing disease is a condition in which the pituitary gland releases too much adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland is an organ of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article An organ transplant HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDSHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Lymphoma (a type of cancer)CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other people at risk include those with long-term (chronic) lung problems related to smoking, emphysema, or tuberculosis.EmphysemaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease. Having COPD makes it hard to breathe. There are two main forms of COPD:Chroni...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article TuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Symptoms Pulmonary nocardiosis mainly affects the lungs. But, nocardiosis can also spread to other organs in the body. Common symptoms may include:ENTIRE BODYFever (comes and goes) FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article General ill feeling (malaise) MalaiseMalaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Night sweats GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM Nausea Liver and spleen swelling (hepatosplenomegaly) HepatosplenomegalyEnlarged liver refers to swelling of the liver beyond its normal size. Hepatomegaly is another word to describe this problem. If both the liver and ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Loss of appetite Unintentional weight loss Unintentional weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Vomiting LUNGS AND AIRWAYS Breathing difficulty Breathing difficultyBreathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough airImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest pain not due to heart problems Coughing up blood or mucus Coughing up bloodCoughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract). Hemoptysis is the medical term for cough...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rapid breathing Shortness of breath MUSCLES AND JOINTS Joint painJoint painJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article NERVOUS SYSTEM Change in mental state Confusion ConfusionConfusion is the inability to think as clearly or quickly as you normally do. You may feel disoriented and have difficulty paying attention, remembe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dizziness DizzinessDizziness is a term that is often used to describe 2 different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Lightheadedness is a feeling that you might fai...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Headache HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Seizures SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Changes in visionSKIN Skin rashes or lumps RashesRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin sores (abscesses) AbscessesAn abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swollen lymph nodesSwollen lymph nodesLymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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:Bronchoalveolar lavage -- fluid is sent for stain and culture, which is taken by bronchoscopy BronchoscopyBronchoscopy is a test to view the airways and diagnose lung disease. It may also be used during the treatment of some lung conditions.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chest CT Chest CTA chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the chest and upper abdomen....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRI scan of the chest MRI scan of the chestA chest MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create pictures of the chest (...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Pleural fluid culture and stain Pleural fluid culturePleural fluid culture is a test that examines a sample of fluid that has been collected in the pleural space to see if you have an infection to help ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sputum stain and cultureCultureRoutine sputum culture is a laboratory test that looks for germs that cause infection. Sputum is the material that comes up from air passages when y...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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:Brain abscesses Brain abscessesA brain abscess is a collection of pus, immune cells, and other material in the brain, caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin infections Kidney infections 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 ReferencesReferencesDockrell 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.
