Bronchopneumonia

Proven content

Bronchopneumonia is usually a multifocal, typical inflammatory process, which occurs as a result of the penetration of microorganisms from the side of the bronchi, through their walls damaged by the inflammatory process.

Definition of bronchopneumonia

Bronchopneumonia is one type of pneumonia. In general, pneumonia is caused by viral, fungal, or bacterial infections that subsequently cause the alveoli in the lungs to become inflamed – as a consequence they fill with fluid or pus. The disease, which is bronchopneumonia, affects both the lungs and bronchi, it can be mild, but also serious (the form of the virus of inflammation is much milder). Inflammation in bronchopneumonia is directly related to the end sections of the bronchial tree. The smallest foci merge into larger foci which are separated from each other by the normal lung tissue. In the disease, the foci are located on several lobes or even both lungs.

Bronchopneumonia – causes

Bronchopneumonia often causes daily contact with viruses and bacteria. The most common cause of the disease is pneumococcus, specifically group X or type III pneumococcus (strains of pneumococcus that very often lives as a harmless parasite in the mouth and respiratory tract). It happens that bacterial pneumonia causes streptococcus pneumonia, however, there may be more bacteria. Viral pneumonia, on the other hand, is often caused by the same type of bacteria that causes the flu and colds. Other possible causes of bronchopneumonia are:

1. Haemophilus influenzae
2. golden staph (Staphylococcus aureus)
3. Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumoniae.

We can very often get infected with serious pneumonia in the hospital, despite the fact that it is caused by the mentioned bacteria, in hospitals, bacteria that are resistant to treatment with antibiotics develop.

Symptoms of bronchopneumonia

In the first phase, bronchopneumonia resembles bronchitis. Hence, in the initial stage of developing bronchopneumonia, there are difficulties in distinguishing this emerging disease state from an existing, prolonged fever in the course of bronchitis. Foci of inflammation gradually widen, merge with each other and thus cover larger parts of the lungs. The cough is distressing, painful, and difficult because of the added pain in the chest, especially at the diaphragm attachment line. In addition, it appears:

1. purulent discharge,
2. a fever that is irregular and rises slowly
3. shortness of breath
4. poty,
5. rapid breathing,
6. chills,
7. paleness,
8. muscle pain,
9. Headache,
10. sinica,
11. hallucinations in the elderly,
12. tiredness,
13. herpes (not very common).

Diagnosis of bronchopneumonia

Usually, when we go to the doctor, he starts the examination with a medical history and measuring the fever. Subsequently, he can auscultate the lungs with a stethoscope, thanks to which the specialist can hear the wheezing or gurgling that are characteristic of this disease. In addition, other areas of the chest are auscultated to determine if there are areas where breathing is less audible (this indicates a lesion).

A diagnosis can be made by visual inspection alone, but other tests may also be ordered to rule out other conditions:

1. blood count – to determine the amount of white blood cells in the blood; an increased number suggests a bacterial infection;
2. blood test to identify the bacteria, virus, or fungus that caused bronchopneumonia;
3. chest X-ray, which uses electromagnetic radiation to create an image of the lungs and chest (this method allows you to recognize which areas have been affected by bronchopneumonia).

Additional tests that are performed when the patient’s condition is serious include:

1. bronchoscopy – a webcam is inserted through the patient’s throat to view the bronchi; this test allows to determine if there are other causes causing bronchopneumonia;
2. computed tomography – it is a more detailed examination than an X-ray, the doctor is able to determine in which part of the lung the infection has appeared;
3. mucus culture – collected to determine the cause of infection;
4. pulse oximetry – a special sensor is attached to the finger to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood; thanks to this examination, the doctor is able to determine the severity and scope of the infection.

Bronchopneumonia – treatment

Viral bronchopneumonia usually passes by itself up to two weeks. Antiviral preparations can be used to relieve unpleasant symptoms. When it comes to bronchopneumonia caused by bacterial viruses, it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics to destroy the bacteria. About three days after taking the antibiotic, patients notice significant improvement. In order for the disease not to come back again, you should take all medications prescribed by the doctor.

For treatment, doctors often recommend antipyretics or antitussives to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Home remedies to relieve the symptoms of bronchopneumonia:

1. the patient should drink plenty of warm fluids,
2. plenty of rest is recommended,
3. it is important to humidify the air in which the patient is located.

If the patient is ill, is over 65 years old and is accompanied by: rapid breathing, confusion, drop in blood pressure and the need for respiratory support – immediate hospitalization is needed. During hospital treatment, the patient is given intravenous antibiotics, and oxygen therapy may be given if the blood pressure is low – this helps to return the blood oxygenation level to normal.

Prognosis in bronchopneumonia

The prognosis depends on the general biological condition of the person who develops bronchopneumonia and the extent of the inflammatory changes in the lungs. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents are now available on the market, making the prognosis for most of these disease states favorable.

Bronchopneumonia – prevention

It should be noted that in elderly people with chronic heart failure who for some other reason lie in bed for a long time (e.g. due to leg fracture, brain hemorrhage followed by paresis or heart attack), bronchopneumonia may develop into background of existing stasis or atelectasis in the lungs.

Vaccines play an important role in preventing bronchial pneumonia. In addition, getting the flu vaccine every year may help, as it may indirectly affect the occurrence of pneumonia. Another vaccine that can be used is the pneumococcal vaccine, the effectiveness of which is maintained over a period of 5 years. Who should get vaccinated? People over 65 years of age and people staying in long-term care centers where the risk of bronchopneumonia is high.

For children under 2 years of age, children aged 2-5 and children attending kindergartens and nurseries, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is intended.

Want to avoid bronchopneumonia? Follow the rules below.

1. Wash your hands regularly.

2. Make sure your daily diet is healthy.

3. Avoid contact with sick people.

4. Limit your alcohol consumption.

5. Quit smoking.

6. Remember to rest.

7. Take care of physical activity.