Bronchopneumonia: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Human disease}}
{{Short description|A type of pneumonia characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue}}
{{Infobox medical condition (new)
|name          = Bronchopneumonia
|synonym      = Bronchial pneumonia, bronchogenic pneumonia
|image        = Lobar Pneumonia and bronchopneumonia illustrated.jpg
|image_size    = 150
|alt          =
|caption      = Typical distribution of [[lobar pneumonia]] (left in image) and bronchopneumonia (right in image)
|pronounce    =
|specialty    = [[Pulmonology]], [[Infectious disease (medical specialty)|infectious disease]]
|symptoms      =
|complications =
|onset        =
|duration      =
|types        =
|causes        =
|risks        =
|diagnosis    =
|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>


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'''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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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.  
==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.
[[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.
* '''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.


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>
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can vary in severity and may include:
* [[Cough]] with [[sputum]] production
* [[Fever]] and [[chills]]
* [[Shortness of breath]]
* [[Chest pain]] that worsens with breathing or coughing
* [[Fatigue]] and [[malaise]]
* [[Loss of appetite]]


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>
==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]].


== Pathology ==
==Treatment==
[[File:Histopathology of bronchopneumonia.jpg|thumb|Histopathology of bronchopneumonia, showing [[neutrophil]]s filling a [[bronchiole]].]]
Treatment of bronchopneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may include:
Bronchopneumonia may sometimes be diagnosed after death, during [[autopsy]].
* '''Antibiotics''': For bacterial infections, common antibiotics include [[amoxicillin]], [[azithromycin]], or [[ceftriaxone]].
* '''Antiviral medications''': For viral infections, such as [[oseltamivir]] for influenza.
* '''Supportive care''': Includes [[oxygen therapy]], [[hydration]], and [[analgesics]] for pain relief.


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.
==Prevention==
 
Preventive measures for bronchopneumonia include:
[[Light microscopy]] typically shows neutrophils in bronchi, bronchioles and adjacent alveolar spaces.<ref name=Weisenberg2011/>
* '''Vaccination''': [[Pneumococcal vaccine]] and [[influenza vaccine]] can reduce the risk of infection.
 
* '''Good hygiene practices''': Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
==Treatment==
* '''Healthy lifestyle''': Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
{{Further|Pneumonia}}
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.


==See also==
==Prognosis==
*[[Lobar 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.


== References ==
==Related pages==
{{reflist}}
* [[Pneumonia]]
* [[Lobar pneumonia]]
* [[Respiratory system]]
* [[Infectious disease]]


{{Respiratory pathology}}
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Pneumonia]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
{{stub}}

Revision as of 19:09, 22 March 2025

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

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

The most common causes of bronchopneumonia include:

Symptoms

Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can vary in severity and may include:

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 of bronchopneumonia depends on the underlying cause and may include:

Prevention

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

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

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