Original Editor - The Open Physio project. Show
Top Contributors - Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton, Admin, Tony Lowe, Nikhil Benhur Abburi, Adam Vallely Farrell, Vidya Acharya, Rachael Lowe, Evan Thomas, George Prudden, WikiSysop, Karen Wilson, Rishika Babburu and Naomi O'Reilly Introduction[edit | edit source]Pneumonia is a general term in widespread use, defined as infection within the lung. It is due to material, usually purulent, filling the alveoli.[1]
Transmission[edit | edit source]Pneumonia can be spread in a number of ways.
Aetiology[edit | edit source]There are various causes of pneumonia, in most the mode of transmission is via bacteria however it can be passed from person to person and also from the environment and practising good hygiene can minimise the spread of germs. The various types of pneumonia are discussed below Infective Agent:
2. fungal pneumonia This typically occurs in people who have a weakened immune system or other underlying health issues. This is usually inhaled from the environment and does not spread from person to person. eg Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia) is caused by the Pneumocystis carinii fungus. This fungus does not cause illness in healthy individuals, but rather in those with a weakened immune system.[7] 3. mycobacterial pneumonia 4. Viral Pneumonia - believed to be the cause of half of all cases of pneumonia. The viruses invade the lungs and then multiply- causing inflammation. eg coronavirus [ COVID-19, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)], varicella pneumonia,Influenza type A or B, rhinoviruses adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (more common in infants and children)[6] Setting of Infection (how aquired):
The 10 minute video below is a good summary of pneumonia. The Body's Defence Against Pneumonia[edit | edit source]The body has several defence mechanisms against the agents that can cause Pneumonia:
If these mechanisms fail and a microbe is successful in colonising the alveoli they then multiple and quickly move over into the lung tissue activating an inflammatory response; the result is Pneumonia. [13] Type and Causes[edit | edit source]There are various causes of pneumonia, in most the mode of transmission is via bacteria however it can be passed from person to person and also from the environment and practising good hygiene can minimise the spread of germs. The various types of pneumonia are discussed below. Epidemiology[edit | edit source]
Stages of Pneumonia[edit | edit source]Pneumonia has four stages, namely consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization and resolution. (may be Lobar Pneumonia or bronchopneumonia, see image R)
Risk Factors[edit | edit source]The elderly, infants, young children and those with a weakened immune system are at a higher risk of acquiring Pneumonia. Other causes such as frequent exposure to asbestos and cigarette smoke have an increased risk of contracting community-acquired pneumonia than young and middle-aged adults. Some common risk factors are: Signs and Symptoms[edit | edit source]The signs and symptoms vary according to disease severity. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sputum production (may or may not be present). The color and quality of sputum provide the clue to microbiological etiology.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]There are several ways to diagnose pneumonia:
Complications[edit | edit source]
Medical Management[edit | edit source]Treatment will vary depending on how bad the symptoms are, and what the cause of the infection is.
Doctors will also include the following when treating patients with pneumonia: Physiotherapy Management[edit | edit source]Respiratory physiotherapy is an adjunct commonly used in the treatment of pneumonia, however there being little reliable evidence to suggest that physiotherapy has an effect on the rate of recovery of the patient.[22] However, respiratory techniques are still commonly used to aid airway clearance and improve the rate of breathing.
A state-of-art review suggests avoiding repeated airway clearance in infants and children with acute pulmonary disease. The treatment should be based on patient assessment and presentation of symptoms[24]. A retrospective study[25] shows that skeletal muscle index measured at Intensive Care Unit Admission is a predictor of Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in patients with sepsis. Clinical Guidelines[edit | edit source]Clinical Guidelines for Physiotherapy management of Community-Acquired Pneumonia[26] For Patients admitted to hospital;
Children and Pneumonia[edit | edit source]Why Are Children Vulnerable? While most healthy children can fight the infection with their natural defences, children whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. A child's immune system may be weakened by malnutrition or undernourishment, especially in infants who are not exclusively breastfed. Pre-existing illnesses, such as symptomatic HIV infections and measles, also increase a child's risk of contracting pneumonia. The following environmental factors also increase a child's susceptibility to pneumonia:
Signs and Symptoms in Children
Prevention
References[edit | edit source]
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