Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Pneumonia
What Went Wrong?
Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the pulmonary parenchyma associated
with alveolar consolidation.Viruses such as the following are primary
causative agents:
Cytomegalovirus
Influenza
Adenovirus
RSV
Bacterial pneumonia most often caused by mycoplasma pneumonia occurs
less frequently in children. Pneumonia can be classified as
Lobar
Interstitial or
Bronchial
Lobar, as indicated, involves a significant portion of the lung; interstitial pneumonia
includes the alveolar walls and peribronchial, and interlobular tissues. Bronchial
pneumonia, as suggested by its name, involves the bronchi and lung fields.
Signs and Symptoms
Clinical manifestations include
Cough
Malaise
Fever
Prostration
Anorexia
Breath sounds
Wheezes
Fine crackles
Headache
Tachypnea
Wheezing
Gastrointestinal upset
Test Results
Diagnosis is based on physical findings and a sputum culture.
Chest films demonstrate the extent and location of the involvement.
Treatment
The course of treatment is managed according to the etiology of the disease.
Treatment for viral pneumonia is supportive to relieve symptoms.
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotic therapy.
The objective of treatment is effective ventilation and prevention of
dehydration.
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CHAPTER 5/ Respiratory Conditions^81