Bronchopneumonia: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Human disease}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
{{Infobox medical condition
|name         = Bronchopneumonia
| name           = Bronchopneumonia
|synonym      = Bronchial pneumonia, bronchogenic pneumonia
| synonyms        = Bronchial pneumonia
|image        = Lobar Pneumonia and bronchopneumonia illustrated.jpg
| field           = [[Pulmonology]]
|image_size    = 150
| symptoms        = [[Cough]], [[fever]], [[chest pain]], [[difficulty breathing]]
|alt           =  
| complications   = [[Respiratory failure]], [[sepsis]], [[pleural effusion]]
|caption      = Typical distribution of [[lobar pneumonia]] (left in image) and bronchopneumonia (right in image)
| onset           = Rapid
|pronounce    =
| duration       = Varies
|specialty    = [[Pulmonology]], [[Infectious disease (medical specialty)|infectious disease]]  
| causes         = [[Bacterial infection]], [[viral infection]], [[fungal infection]]
|symptoms      =
| risks           = [[Smoking]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], [[immunosuppression]]
|complications =  
| diagnosis       = [[Chest X-ray]], [[sputum culture]], [[blood tests]]
|onset         =  
| differential   = [[Lobar pneumonia]], [[tuberculosis]], [[pulmonary embolism]]
|duration     =
| prevention     = [[Vaccination]], [[hand hygiene]], [[smoking cessation]]
|types        =  
| treatment       = [[Antibiotics]], [[antiviral drugs]], [[supportive care]]
|causes       =  
| medication     = [[Amoxicillin]], [[azithromycin]], [[oseltamivir]]
|risks         =  
| prognosis       = Generally good with treatment
|diagnosis     =  
| frequency       = Common
|differential =  
|prevention   =  
|treatment     =  
|medication   =  
|prognosis     =  
|frequency     =
|deaths        =  
}}
}}
'''Bronchopneumonia''' is a subtype of [[pneumonia]]. It is the acute [[inflammation]] of the [[Bronchus|bronchi]], accompanied by inflamed patches in the nearby lobules of the lungs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yourdictionary.com/bronchopneumonia|title=bronchopneumonia|website=YourDictionary|accessdate=2020-01-08}} citing: Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fifth Edition, Copyright 2014</ref>
{{Short description|A type of pneumonia characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue}}
 
'''Bronchopneumonia''', also known as '''lobular pneumonia''', is a type of [[pneumonia]] that affects the [[bronchi]] and surrounding [[lung]] tissue. It is characterized by patchy areas of consolidation in the lungs, primarily affecting the [[alveoli]] and bronchioles. This condition is often seen in [[children]], the [[elderly]], and individuals with weakened [[immune system]]s.
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==Pathophysiology==
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
Bronchopneumonia occurs when infectious agents, such as [[bacteria]], [[viruses]], or [[fungi]], invade the bronchi and spread to the surrounding lung tissue. The infection leads to inflammation and the accumulation of [[exudate]] in the alveoli, resulting in impaired gas exchange. The patchy distribution of inflammation distinguishes bronchopneumonia from [[lobar pneumonia]], which affects an entire lobe of the lung.
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It is often contrasted with [[lobar pneumonia]]; but, in clinical practice, the types are difficult to apply, as the patterns usually overlap.<ref name=Weisenberg2011>{{cite web|url=https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/lungnontumorinfectionsgeneral.html|title=Lung - nontumor, Infections, Pneumonia - general|website=PathologyOutlines|author=Elliot Weisenberg, M.D.}} Topic Completed: 1 August 2011</ref> Bronchopneumonia (lobular) often leads to lobar pneumonia as the infection progresses. The same organism may cause one type of pneumonia in one patient, and another in a different patient.  
 
[[File:X-ray of bronchopneumonia.png|thumb|X-ray of bronchopneumonia: multifocal lung consolidation bilaterally.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Franquet|first1=Tomás|last2=Chung|first2=Johnathan H.|title=Imaging of Pulmonary Infection|year=2019|pages=65–77|issn=2523-7829|doi=10.1007/978-3-030-11149-6_7|journal=Part of the IDKD Springer Series book series (IDKD)|pmc=7123565}}<br>-"This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)"</ref>]]
 
==Causes==
==Causes==
Bronchopneumonia is usually a [[bacterial pneumonia]] rather than being caused by [[viral disease]].<ref name=helathline>{{cite web|url=https://www.healthline.com/health/bronchopneumonia#causes|title=Bronchopneumonia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Treatment|website=[[HealthLine]]|author=Janelle Martel and Rachel Nall}} Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, RN, on April 19, 2019</ref>
The most common causes of bronchopneumonia include:
 
* '''Bacterial infections''': [[Streptococcus pneumoniae]], [[Haemophilus influenzae]], and [[Staphylococcus aureus]] are frequent bacterial pathogens.
It is more commonly a [[hospital-acquired pneumonia]] than a [[community-acquired pneumonia]], in contrast to [[lobar pneumonia]].<ref name="ReynoldsMcdonald2010">{{cite journal|last1=Reynolds|first1=J H|last2=Mcdonald|first2=G|last3=Alton|first3=H|last4=Gordon|first4=S B|title=Pneumonia in the immunocompetent patient|journal=The British Journal of Radiology|volume=83|issue=996|year=2010|pages=998–1009|issn=0007-1285|doi=10.1259/bjr/31200593|pmc=3473604}}</ref>
* '''Viral infections''': [[Influenza virus]], [[respiratory syncytial virus]] (RSV), and [[adenovirus]] can lead to bronchopneumonia.
 
* '''Fungal infections''': Less commonly, fungi such as [[Aspergillus]] and [[Histoplasma]] can cause bronchopneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Bronchopneumonia is less likely than [[lobar pneumonia]] to be associated with ''[[Streptococcus pneumoniae]]''.<ref name="urlLobar Pneumonia">{{cite web |url=http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/medicine/PULMONAR/cxr/atlas/pneumonia.htm |title=Lobar Pneumonia |work= |accessdate=2008-11-16|website=Loyola University Chicago, Health Sciences Campus}}</ref> Rather, the bronchopneumonia pattern has been associated mainly with the following: ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'', ''[[Klebsiella]]'', ''[[Escherichia coli|E. coli]]'' and ''[[Pseudomonas]]''.<ref name="urlPulmonary Pathology">{{cite web |url=http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/LUNGHTML/LUNG007.html |title=Pulmonary Pathology |work= |accessdate=2008-11-21|website=Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library}}</ref>
==Symptoms==
 
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can vary in severity and may include:
== Pathology ==
* [[Cough]] with [[sputum]] production
[[File:Histopathology of bronchopneumonia.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of bronchopneumonia, showing [[neutrophil]]s filling a [[bronchiole]].]]
* [[Fever]] and [[chills]]
Bronchopneumonia may sometimes be diagnosed after death, during [[autopsy]].
* [[Shortness of breath]]
 
* [[Chest pain]] that worsens with breathing or coughing
On [[gross pathology]] there are typically multiple [[focus (geometry)|foci]] of consolidation present in the basal lobes of the [[human lung]], often bilateral. These lesions are 2–4&nbsp;cm in diameter, grey-yellow, dry, often centered on a [[bronchiole]], poorly delimited, and with the tendency to confluence, especially in children.
* [[Fatigue]] and [[malaise]]
 
* [[Loss of appetite]]
[[Light microscopy]] typically shows neutrophils in bronchi, bronchioles and adjacent alveolar spaces.<ref name=Weisenberg2011/>
==Diagnosis==
 
Diagnosis of bronchopneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, including:
* '''Physical examination''': Listening for abnormal lung sounds such as [[crackles]] or [[rales]].
* '''Chest X-ray''': Reveals patchy areas of consolidation in the lungs.
* '''Sputum culture''': Identifies the causative organism.
* '''Blood tests''': May show elevated [[white blood cell]] count and [[C-reactive protein]].
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
{{Further|Pneumonia}}
Treatment of bronchopneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Compared to [[pneumonia]] in general, the association between the bronchopneumonia pattern and [[hospital-acquired pneumonia]] warrants greater consideration of [[multiple drug resistance]] in the choice of antibiotics.
* '''Antibiotics''': For bacterial infections, common antibiotics include [[amoxicillin]], [[azithromycin]], or [[ceftriaxone]].
 
* '''Antiviral medications''': For viral infections, such as [[oseltamivir]] for influenza.
==See also==
* '''Supportive care''': Includes [[oxygen therapy]], [[hydration]], and [[analgesics]] for pain relief.
*[[Lobar pneumonia]]
==Prevention==
 
Preventive measures for bronchopneumonia include:
== References ==
* '''Vaccination''': [[Pneumococcal vaccine]] and [[influenza vaccine]] can reduce the risk of infection.
{{reflist}}
* '''Good hygiene practices''': Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
 
* '''Healthy lifestyle''': Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
{{Respiratory pathology}}
==Prognosis==
[[Category:Pneumonia]]
The prognosis for bronchopneumonia varies depending on the patient's age, overall health, and the promptness of treatment. Most individuals recover fully with appropriate treatment, but complications can occur, especially in vulnerable populations.
{{stub}}
==Related pages==
* [[Pneumonia]]
* [[Lobar pneumonia]]
* [[Respiratory system]]
* [[Infectious disease]]
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]

Latest revision as of 23:25, 3 April 2025


Bronchopneumonia
Synonyms Bronchial pneumonia
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Cough, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing
Complications Respiratory failure, sepsis, pleural effusion
Onset Rapid
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection
Risks Smoking, COPD, immunosuppression
Diagnosis Chest X-ray, sputum culture, blood tests
Differential diagnosis Lobar pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism
Prevention Vaccination, hand hygiene, smoking cessation
Treatment Antibiotics, antiviral drugs, supportive care
Medication Amoxicillin, azithromycin, oseltamivir
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


A type of pneumonia characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue


Bronchopneumonia, also known as lobular pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that affects the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue. It is characterized by patchy areas of consolidation in the lungs, primarily affecting the alveoli and bronchioles. This condition is often seen in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Bronchopneumonia occurs when infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, invade the bronchi and spread to the surrounding lung tissue. The infection leads to inflammation and the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli, resulting in impaired gas exchange. The patchy distribution of inflammation distinguishes bronchopneumonia from lobar pneumonia, which affects an entire lobe of the lung.

Causes[edit]

The most common causes of bronchopneumonia include:

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can vary in severity and may include:

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of bronchopneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, including:

  • Physical examination: Listening for abnormal lung sounds such as crackles or rales.
  • Chest X-ray: Reveals patchy areas of consolidation in the lungs.
  • Sputum culture: Identifies the causative organism.
  • Blood tests: May show elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment of bronchopneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may include:

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures for bronchopneumonia include:

  • Vaccination: Pneumococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine can reduce the risk of infection.
  • Good hygiene practices: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for bronchopneumonia varies depending on the patient's age, overall health, and the promptness of treatment. Most individuals recover fully with appropriate treatment, but complications can occur, especially in vulnerable populations.

Related pages[edit]