APPROACH TO THE PATIENT WITH PULMONARY-DISEASE

The spectrum of pulmonary disease seen with HIV infection has been alt ered by the use of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis and the rise in tuberculosis. A diagnostic approach is described that takes th ese changes into account. Patients at risk for severe pulmonary diseas e are identified by noninvasive screening tests, and the appropriate, specific diagnostic test expeditiously arranged. The optional use and Limitations of radiography, nuclear scintography, blood tests, sputum examinations, pulmonary function tests, and invasive procedures are re viewed.