Bronchopneumonia: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Bronchopneumonia
| synonyms        = Bronchial pneumonia
| field          = [[Pulmonology]]
| symptoms        = [[Cough]], [[fever]], [[chest pain]], [[difficulty breathing]]
| complications  = [[Respiratory failure]], [[sepsis]], [[pleural effusion]]
| onset          = Rapid
| duration        = Varies
| causes          = [[Bacterial infection]], [[viral infection]], [[fungal infection]]
| risks          = [[Smoking]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease|COPD]], [[immunosuppression]]
| diagnosis      = [[Chest X-ray]], [[sputum culture]], [[blood tests]]
| differential    = [[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
}}
{{Short description|A type of pneumonia characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue}}
{{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.
'''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.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
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.
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==
==Causes==
The most common causes of bronchopneumonia include:
The most common causes of bronchopneumonia include:
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* '''Viral infections''': [[Influenza virus]], [[respiratory syncytial virus]] (RSV), and [[adenovirus]] can lead to bronchopneumonia.
* '''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.
* '''Fungal infections''': Less commonly, fungi such as [[Aspergillus]] and [[Histoplasma]] can cause bronchopneumonia, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
==Symptoms==
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can vary in severity and may include:
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can vary in severity and may include:
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* [[Fatigue]] and [[malaise]]
* [[Fatigue]] and [[malaise]]
* [[Loss of appetite]]
* [[Loss of appetite]]
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of bronchopneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, including:
Diagnosis of bronchopneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests, including:
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* '''Sputum culture''': Identifies the causative organism.
* '''Sputum culture''': Identifies the causative organism.
* '''Blood tests''': May show elevated [[white blood cell]] count and [[C-reactive protein]].
* '''Blood tests''': May show elevated [[white blood cell]] count and [[C-reactive protein]].
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment of bronchopneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Treatment of bronchopneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may include:
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* '''Antiviral medications''': For viral infections, such as [[oseltamivir]] for influenza.
* '''Antiviral medications''': For viral infections, such as [[oseltamivir]] for influenza.
* '''Supportive care''': Includes [[oxygen therapy]], [[hydration]], and [[analgesics]] for pain relief.
* '''Supportive care''': Includes [[oxygen therapy]], [[hydration]], and [[analgesics]] for pain relief.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Preventive measures for bronchopneumonia include:
Preventive measures for bronchopneumonia include:
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* '''Good hygiene practices''': Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
* '''Good hygiene practices''': Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
* '''Healthy lifestyle''': Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
* '''Healthy lifestyle''': Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
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.
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==
==Related pages==
* [[Pneumonia]]
* [[Pneumonia]]
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* [[Respiratory system]]
* [[Respiratory system]]
* [[Infectious disease]]
* [[Infectious disease]]
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious 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]