BRONCHOPNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is a category of lung infections. It occurs when viruses,

bacteria, or fungi cause inflammation and infection in the alveoli (tiny air
sacs) in the lungs. Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia that
causes inflammation in the alveoli.

Someone with bronchopneumonia may have trouble breathing because

their airways are constricted. Due to inflammation, their lungs may not
get enough air. Symptoms of bronchopneumonia can be mild or severe.

Symptoms of
bronchopneumonia in adults
and children
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia may be like other types of pneumonia.
This condition often begins with flu-like symptoms that can become more
severe over a few days. The symptoms include:

 fever

 a cough that brings up mucus

 shortness of breath

 chest pain
  rapid breathing

 sweating

 chills

 headaches

 muscle aches

 pleurisy, or chest pain that results from inflammation due to

excessive coughing

 fatigue

 confusion or delirium, especially in older people

The symptoms may be especially serious in people with weakened

immune systems or other illnesses.

Symptoms in children

Children and infants may display symptoms differently. While coughing is

the most common symptom in infants, they may also have:

 a rapid heart rate

 low blood oxygen levels

 retractions of chest muscles

 irritability

 decreased interest in feeding, eating, or drinking

  fever

 congestion

 difficulty sleeping

See a doctor right away if you have symptoms of pneumonia. It’s

impossible to know which type of pneumonia you have without a
thorough exam from your doctor.

How does bronchopneumonia

spread?
Many cases of bronchopneumonia are caused by bacteria. Outside the
body, the bacteria are contagious and can spread between people in
close proximity through sneezes and coughs. A person becomes
infected by breathing in the bacteria.

Common bacterial causes of bronchopneumonia include:

 Staphylococcus aureus

 Haemophilus influenzae

 Pseudomonas aeruginosa

 Escherichia coli

 Klebsiella pneumoniae

 Proteus species
The condition is commonly contracted in a hospital setting. People who
come to the hospital for treatment of other illnesses often have
compromised immune systems. Being sick affects how the body fights
off bacteria.

Under these conditions, the body will have difficulty tackling a new
infection. Pneumonia that occurs in a hospital setting may also be the
result of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

What are the risk factors for

developing bronchopneumonia?
There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing
bronchopneumonia. These include:

Age: People who are 65 years of age or older, and children who are 2
years or younger, have a higher risk for developing bronchopneumonia
and complications from the condition.

Environmental: People who work in, or often visit, hospital or nursing

home facilities have a higher risk for developing bronchopneumonia.

Lifestyle: Smoking, poor nutrition, and a history of heavy alcohol use

can increase your risk for bronchopneumonia.

Medical conditions: Having certain medical conditions can increase

your risk for developing this type of pneumonia. These include:
  chronic lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (COPD)

 HIV/AIDS

 having a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy or the

use of immunosuppressive drugs

 chronic disease, such as heart disease or diabetes

 autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

 cancer

 chronic cough

 swallowing difficulties

 ventilator support

If you’re in one of the risk groups, talk to your doctor about prevention
and management tips.

How will your doctor test for

bronchopneumonia?
Only a doctor can diagnose bronchopneumonia. Your doctor will begin
by conducting a physical exam and asking about your symptoms. They’ll
use a stethoscope to listen for wheezing and other abnormal breath
sounds.
They’ll also listen for places in your chest where it’s harder to hear your
breathing. Sometimes, if your lungs are infected or full of fluid, your
doctor may notice that your breath sounds aren’t as loud as expected.

They may also send you for tests to rule out other possible causes that
could lead to similar symptoms. Other conditions include bronchitis,
bronchial asthma, or lobar pneumonia. The tests may include:

Tests Results

Bronchopneumonia will usually show up as multiple patchy areas

Chest X-ray
of infection, usually in both lungs and mostly at the lung bases.

A high number of total white blood cells, along with high numbers
Complete blood
of certain types of white blood cells, may indicate a bacterial
count (CBC)
infection.

Blood or sputum
These tests show the type of organism causing the infection.
cultures

CT scan A CT scan provides a more detailed look at the lung tissues.

This lighted instrument can take a closer look at the breathing

Bronchoscopy tubes and take samples of lung tissue, while checking for infection
and other lung conditions.

This is a simple, noninvasive test that measures the percentage of

Pulse oximetry oxygen in the blood stream. The lower the number, the lower your
oxygen level.

How do you treat

bronchopneumonia?
Treatment options for bronchopneumonia include both at-home
treatments and medical treatments by prescription.
At-home care

Viral bronchopneumonia normally doesn’t require medical treatment

unless it’s severe. It typically improves on its own in two weeks. Bacterial
or fungal causes of bronchopneumonia may require medication.

Medical treatment

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if a bacterium is the cause of your

pneumonia. Most people begin to feel better within three to five days
after starting antibiotics.

It’s important that you finish your entire course of antibiotics to prevent
the infection from returning and to make sure it completely clears.

In cases of a viral infection like influenza, your doctor may prescribe

antivirals to help reduce the length of your illness and the severity of
your symptoms.

Hospital care

You may need to go to the hospital if your infection is severe and you
meet any of the following criteria:

 you’re over age 65

 you have difficulty breathing

 you have chest pain

 you have rapid breathing

  you have low blood pressure

 you show signs of confusion

 you need breathing assistance

 you have chronic lung disease

Treatment in the hospital may include intravenous (IV) antibiotics and

fluids. If your blood oxygen levels are low, you may receive oxygen
therapy to help them return to normal.

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Complications
Complications from bronchopneumonia can occur depending on the
cause of the infection. Common complications can include:

 blood stream infections or sepsis

 lung abscess
  buildup of fluid around the lungs, known as a pleural effusion

 respiratory failure

 kidney failure

 heart conditions such as heart failure, heart attacks, and irregular

rhythms

Treatment in infants and children

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics if your child has a bacterial infection.
Home care to ease symptoms is also an important step in managing this
condition. Make sure your child gets enough fluids and rest.

Your doctor may suggest Tylenol to reduce fevers. An inhaler or

nebulizer may be prescribed to help keep the airways as open as
possible. In severe cases, a child may require hospitalization to receive
the following:

 IV fluids

 medication

 oxygen

 respiratory therapy

Always ask your child’s doctor before giving cough medications. These
are rarely recommended for children younger than age 6. Read more
about hygiene habits for kids.
How to prevent
bronchopneumonia
Simple care measures can reduce your risk of getting sick and
developing bronchopneumonia. Read more on the right way to wash
your hands.

Vaccinations can also help prevent certain types of pneumonia. Be sure

to get your annual flu shot, as the flu can cause pneumonia. Common
types of bacterial pneumonia can be prevented by the pneumococcal
vaccines. These are available for both adults and children.

Talk to your doctor to determine if these vaccines could benefit you or

your family. Read more on vaccine schedules for infants and toddlers.