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Pulmonary actinomycosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Actinomycosis pulmonary

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to control the infection. However, many patients are slow to respond to treatment.  Long-term use of penicillin is needed to cure the condition. Alternative antibiotics such as tetracyclines, macrolides, or clindamycin may be used in patients who cannot take penicillin.

Surgery may be necessary to drain fluid from the lung area and control the infection.  

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is good after treatment with antibiotics.

Complications:

• Brain abscess
• Meningitis
• Osteomyelitis
• Emphysema

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of pulmonary actinomycosis develop.

Also call if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or if new symptoms develop.

• Review Date: 5/3/2006
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Reviewprovided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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