How will I know if I am, or have been, infected with pseudomonas?

The most common symptoms of infection include fever, cough, increased shortness of breath, and increased phlegm (sputum) following your bronchoscopy. However, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made without consulting a doctor.

I feel fine now, but is it possible I could become sick with this infection later?

For most patients, this is highly unlikely. However, we are urging patients to call our hotline at (877) 226-6439 and schedule an appointment to be tested.

Can I see a doctor right away about this?

We consider this a priority. If you are having symptoms (fever, cough, increased shortness of breath) or wish to be tested or make an appointment, you will be seen right away. Please call our hotline at (877) 226-6439 to speak with our staff, and they will assist you.

Will I be charged for this?

You will not be charged for this visit or for tests to determine if you are infected, and results will be sent to your doctor or doctors.

What is a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a common procedure that allows direct visual examination of the upper airway and lungs. During bronchoscopy, a physician inserts a bronchoscope, which is a small flexible tube about the width of a pencil, through the patient�s nose or mouth and into the windpipe (trachea).

Could I have had the infection before I had the bronchoscopy?

Yes. That may have been a reason that your doctor asked you to have the procedure.

If I had an infection before I had the procedure, would the procedure make it worse?

It can be very hard to tell if an infection would be made worse under these circumstances. That is why it�s important for us to check with you and follow your health status carefully. Please call the hotline at (877) 226-6439 to speak with our staff.

Was the bronchoscope used on me contaminated?

It is not possible to know the answer to this with absolute certainty. That is why it is important to be alert to symptoms and to call the hotline at (877) 226-6439. Our staff will help you to obtain testing and to see a physician.

Why can�t you tell me if the bronchoscope used during my procedure was contaminated?

We did not track the bronchoscope used in each procedure with the patient, nor is it common to do so. However, we have put that process in place going forward.

Should I take antibiotics anyway to prevent infection?

Generally, it is not a good idea to take antibiotics without some clear evidence of risk or infection. Your doctor will advise you whether antibiotics are needed in your case. Our infectious disease and lung doctors are available to help your doctor and you in this decision.

Is pseudomonas infection contagious?

Person to person or other means of transmission is rare.

What about other procedures such as arthroscopy and endoscopes?

We have not found any contamination related to these other instruments.

How can I be sure this contamination won�t happen in the future?

All hospitals that treat very sick patients see a higher rate of certain infections than hospitals that do not. Allegheny General Hospital has in place a number of processes and cleaning procedures to keep our infection rates as low as possible. We now use different scopes and a different sterilization process.

Source: Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh. Web: www.wpahs.org.