Pathophysiology of Pneumonia

Pathophysiology

Predisposing Factor:
>Age (8 years old)
>Herido-Familial Disease

Virulent Microorganism

Precipitating Factor:
>Air Pollution
>Dust

Microorganism enters to the nose through inhalation

Passes through Larynx, Pharynx and Trachea

Microorganism enters and affects both airway and lungs

Bacteria will lie on the alveolar sacs in the lungs

Sacs swell fill with fluid exudates

Inflammation of the lungs

PNEUMONIA

S/S: Fever, Chills, Chest Pain, Difficulty in Breathing

Red blood cells and fibrin will begin to enter the alveoli
Lung tissue will appear redden and firm

Difficulty or Rapid breathing

Fibrin and dying red and white blood cells collecting in the alveolar spaces

Sputum produced by coughing maybe tinged with blood or purulent discharge

If not treated :
May lead to complications.

Obstruction of airway and impaired gas exchange in the alveoli; patient manifests cough

Patient experiences cyanosis, dyspnea, pallor (due to inadequate oxygen supply).

The alveoli collapse and lung tissue dies (necrosis)

Respiratory arrest

DEATH

Treatment:
Administer antipyretic (e.g. Paracetamol), bronchodilator (e.g. Salbutamol), antibiotic (e.g. Clarithromycin ). This prevent multiplication of the bacteria.

Environmental Changes:
>house-setting (putting protective screens)

Enzymes in the lung will break down the materials causing inflammation

Infectious agents are controlled by WBC and any remaining material may be coughed up

Patient’s recovery

GOOD HEALTH STATUS

Narrative:

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the microscopic air sacs known as alveoli. It is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria and less commonly other microorganisms, certain drugs and other conditions such as autoimmune diseases.
Typical symptoms include a cough, chest