What causes diarrhea and cavitation pneumonia?

From the Guidelines

Diarrhea and cavitation pneumonia can be caused by various factors, but a common culprit is an infection, particularly with certain bacteria, viruses, or fungi, as seen in diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and gastrointestinal infections like those caused by Salmonella, Shigella, or Clostridioides difficile 1.

Causes of Diarrhea and Cavitation Pneumonia

• Infections with bacteria, viruses, or fungi
• Diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Gastrointestinal infections like those caused by Salmonella, Shigella, or Clostridioides difficile

Given the severity of these conditions, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist or worsen. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or metronidazole for bacterial infections, and antifungals like fluconazole for fungal infections, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1. For tuberculosis, a combination of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol is typically used.

Treatment Options

• Antibiotics: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, or metronidazole for bacterial infections
• Antifungals: fluconazole for fungal infections
• Tuberculosis treatment: combination of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol

In terms of dosage and duration, it depends on the specific diagnosis and the patient's condition. For example, for uncomplicated diverticulitis caused by bacteria, a 7-10 day course of antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily) and metronidazole (500 mg three times daily) may be prescribed. For tuberculosis, treatment can last 6-12 months. It's essential to follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully and complete the full course of medication as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before finishing the treatment. Additionally, supportive care such as hydration, rest, and a balanced diet can help manage symptoms and support recovery.

From the FDA Drug Label

Diarrhea is a common problem caused by antibiotics which usually ends when the antibiotic is discontinued. Sometimes after starting treatment with antibiotics, patients can develop watery and bloody stools (with or without stomach cramps and fever) even as late as two or more months after having taken the last dose of the antibiotic

(from 2 and 3)

Diarrhea is caused by antibiotics. There is no information in the drug labels that directly supports the answer for cavitation pneumonia. Cavitation pneumonia is not mentioned in the provided drug labels.

From the Research

Causes of Diarrhea and Cavitation Pneumonia

• Diarrhea is not mentioned in the provided studies as a cause or effect related to cavitation pneumonia.
• Cavitation pneumonia can be caused by various infectious agents, including:
  • Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae 4, 5, 6
  • Anaerobic bacteria, which can contribute to cavitation in bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia 5
  • Fungi such as Aspergillus, Histoplasma, and Coccidioides 7
• Other factors that may contribute to the development of cavitation pneumonia include:
  • Mechanical ventilation for > 48 hours 4
  • Residence in an ICU 4
  • Duration of ICU or hospital stay 4
  • Severity of underlying illness 4
  • Presence of comorbidities 4
  • Virulence factors of the causative organism, such as rapid multiplication and inhibition of phagocytosis 6

Types of Cavitation Pneumonia

• Cavitary pneumonia can be acute or chronic 7
• Chronic cavitary infections can be caused by a variety of organisms, including nontuberculous mycobacteria, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and Paracoccidioides 7
• Necrotizing or cavitating pneumonia can be caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, although this is not commonly considered as an etiologic agent 6

Diagnosis and Management

• Diagnosis of cavitary pneumonia can be difficult due to the variety of possible causes and the fact that sputum and blood cultures may not always be positive 6
• Imaging studies such as plain chest radiography and computed tomography can be used to identify pulmonary cavities 8
• Management of cavitary pneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotic therapy, supportive care, and other interventions 4, 8