Bronchopneumonia: Symptoms, Risk

Factors, And Treatment

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outlook
What is bronchopneumonia?
Pneumonia is a category of lung infections. It occurs when a
virus, bacteria, or fungi causes inflammation and infection in
the alveoli (tiny air sacs) in the lung. Bronchopneumonia, or
lobular pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that also causes
inflammation in the bronchi. These are the air passages that
feed air into the lungs.

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

Symptoms of bronchopneumonia in
adults and children
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia may be very similar to 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 excess 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.

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

CAUSES

How does bronchopneumonia spread?

Most 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 influenza

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 a compromised immune system. Being
sick affects how the body normally 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.

A DV E RT I S E ME N T

RISK FACTORS

What are the risk factors for developing

bronchopneumonia?
Age: People who are 65 or older and children who are 2 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: Certain medical conditions can increase

your risk for developing this type of pneumonia. These
include:

having a chronic lung disease, such as asthma or chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
 having HIV/AIDS

having a weakened immune system due to

chemotherapy or the use of immunosuppressive drugs

having a chronic disease, such as heart disease or

diabetes

having an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid

arthritis or lupus

a chronic cough

having swallowing difficulties

receiving ventilator support

If youre in one of the risk groups, talk to your doctor about

prevention and management tips.

DIAGNOSIS

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. Theyll use a stethoscope to listen for
wheezing and other abnormal breath sounds. Theyll also
listen for places in your chest where its harder to hear your
breathing. Sometimes, if your lungs are infected or full of
fluid, your doctor may notice that your breath sounds arent
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

Chest X-ray Bronchopneumonia will usually show up as multiple patchy

 areas of infection, usually in both lungs and mostly at the lung
bases.

A high number of total white blood cells, along with high

Complete blood
numbers of certain types of white blood cells, may indicate a
count (CBC)
bacterial 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 at the breathing tubes

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

This is a noninvasive and simple test that measures the

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

TREATMENT

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 doesnt require medical

treatment unless its 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. Its
important that you finish your entire course of antibiotics to
prevent the infection from returning.

In some cases, 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 if you meet any of the following criteria:

over age 65

difficulty breathing

chest pain

rapid breathing

low blood pressure

signs of confusion

need breathing assistance

Treatment in the hospital may include intravenous (IV)

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

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 IV
fluids, medication, oxygen, and respiratory therapy.
Always ask your childs doctor before giving cough
medications. These are rarely recommended for children
younger than age 6.

Read more: Hygiene habits for kids

A DV E RT I S E ME N T

PREVENTION

How to prevent bronchopneumonia

Simple care measures can reduce your risk of getting sick and
developing bronchopneumonia.

Vaccinations can also help prevent many 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: The right way to wash your hands

OUTLOOK

Whats the outlook for

bronchopneumonia?
Most people who have bronchopneumonia recover within a
few weeks. How long it takes to recover depends on several
factors:

your age

how much of your lungs has been affected

the severity of the pneumonia

the type of organism causing the infection

your overall health and any underlying conditions

Not letting your body rest can result in a longer recovery

period. People who are at a higher risk for this condition may
develop severe, life-threatening complications without
treatment. See a doctor if you think you may have any type of
pneumonia. They can make sure you have the correct
diagnosis and are receiving the best treatment for your
condition.

Medically Reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD on March 16, 2017

Written by Janelle Martel and Rachel Nall 9.05.2017 12.00am.
http://www.healthline.com/health/bronchopneumonia#overview1