PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia

Pneumonia

Introduction

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue and is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. By far the most common and therefore classical pneumonia caused by pneumococcus. It is revealed in the radiograph usually with a very typical finding, which then relates to a lung lobe, and is called lobar pneumonia. Pneumonia, which connects different in appearance, therefore, called atypical pneumonia. The atypical pneumonia is usually caused by viruses, but can also be caused by some other bacteria than pneumococci. Some underlying conditions increase the likelihood of suffering from pneumonia, because they pre-damage the lungs.

The excitation spectrum is from the site of infection dependent. This is important to know, as quickly as possible a broadly specific and thus effective treatment can begin without the actual causative agent is known. Infections which is acquired in the hospital, is usually caused by bacteria that are resistant or atypical to some antibiotics. They are therefore difficult to treat and even run more often fatal. The typical pathogens are usually acquired outside the hospital. They are usually better to get a grip. The therapy includes some general measures and a possible pathogen-specific drug therapy. The bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. The mortality rate is unfortunately still relatively high, mainly as a result of hospital-acquired infections. The complications can result in severe cases, a lung or heart failure. One can partially protect against infection by vaccination.

Pathophysiology of Pneumonia

The lung has several defense mechanisms to prevent the penetration of foreign substances or organisms normally. Small hairs sitting on the surface of the trachea and major bronchi are called cilia. They move steadily toward the mouth and carry on this way mucus upwards. This prevents the dust particles get into the alveoli and accumulate there can. With the air so really get only the smallest particles with a particle size of 0.3 to 5 micron size in the alveoli. When particles reach the alveoli but again, these can be digested and removed from cells. If the mechanical defenses of the lung are disturbed, these tiny foreign bodies are deposited here. There is an inflammatory reaction that then spread according to the immune status of patients. (Alan and Ronald, 2006)

History of the Patient

Mr. Alcot is a 68 year old man who developed a harsh, productive cough four days prior to being seen by a physician. The sputum is thick and yellow with streaks of blood. He developed a fever, shaking, chills and malaise along with the cough. One day ago he developed pain in his right chest that intensifies with inspiration. The patient lost 15 lbs. over the past few months but claims he did not lose his appetite. "I just thought I had the flu." Past history reveals that he had a chronic smoker's cough for "10 or 15 years" which he describes as being mild, non-productive and occurring most often in the early morning. He smoked 2 packs of cigarettes per day for the past 50 ...