pneumonia
pneumonia
pneumonia
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION :-
It is an inflammation of the lung parenchyma including terminal airways, alveolar
and interstitial spaces & is localized or patchy in distribution caused by various
organism.
The alveoli are filled with a fluid or pus making it difficult to breath.
• Consolidation :-
It is inflammatory induration of normal lung due to presence of cellular exudate in
alveoli.
ETIOLOGY
1)Age –All ages but 50% cases are below 50 yrs of age.
2) Season- common in winter & rainy season.
3) Devitalising conditions eg, overwork, exposure to extreme chill & cold.
4) Disorders like DM, chronic malnutrition and chronic avitaminosis.
5) Addiction to Alcohol or smoking.
6) Overcrowding & poor sanitary condition.
7) Acute & chronic respiratory diseases such as influenza, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis,
cystic fibrosis.
8) Immunological disorders such as in Leukemias, Multiple myeloma, Granulomatosis.
9) Inhalation of foreign materials as in coma, anaesthesia, achalasia cardia & oesophageal
carcinoma.
10) Drugs – steroids, cytotoxins & immunosuppressive drugs.
PATHOGENESIS
Entry of bacteria in the lung occurs by one of the following
rute
1. Inhalation of microbes from the air
2. aspiration of organisms from oropharynx /
nasopharynx
3. Hematogenous spread from distant focus the infection
4. Direct spread from adjoining site of infection
After entry the organism passes to alveoli And alveolar
inflammation proceeds. The organism and exudates Pass to
surrounded alveoli Through the intralveolar pores (Pores of
cuhn). Thus infection quickly spreads Throughout the entire
lobe.
The essential feature is And outpouring of inflammatory
exudates In the Alveoli. The alveoli are then fill up with
exudates And the air is displaced And the whole lobe is
converted into airless swollen solid mass.This process is
known as consolidation.
PATHOLOGICAL
CHANGES
SYMPTOMS
- Continuous temperature of 103-104°F Associated with chills
- Pain in rt chest In about 70% of cases due to associated pleurisy
- If diaphragmatic pleura affected There may be shoulder pain
- Difficulty in breathing, cough with tenacious sputum, gradually rusty or pinkish due
to presence of RBC
- Headache due to hypoxia
- Malaise, weakness, bodyache, loss of appetite, fatigue, Wt loss, in severe cases
delirium, And confusion may develop due to toxemia
- Excessive sweating in elderly patients
SIGNS
- Pt is toxic with flushed face
- Central cyanosis may be present
- Tachycardia, Tachypnea
- Skin is Hot and Moist
- Pallor may present sometimes Due to peripheral
vasoconstriction
INVESTIGATIONS
Chest X-ray
1.
Complications
may develop in the complicated cases And in patients with Impaired
immunologic defenses
1) organisation
- In about 3% of cases Resolution of the exudate does not occur but instead it undergoes
organization
- There is ingrowth of fibroblast from alveolar septa resulting in fibrous, tough leathery
lung tissue.
- This type of post pneumonic fibrosis is called calcification.
2) pleural effusion
- About 5% of treated cases of pnuemonia develop inflammation of pleura with effusion.
- The pleural effusion usually resolves but sometimes may undergo organisation with
fibrous adhesions between visceral and parietal pleura.
3) Empyema
- Less than 1% of treated cases of pneumonia develop encysted pus in the
pleural cavity termed empyema
4) Lung abscess
- A rare complication of pnuemonia is formation of lung abscess especially when
there is secondary infection by other organisms
5) Metastatic infection
- Infection in the lungs and pleural cavity in pneumonia extended into the
pericardium and heart causing purulent pericarditis, bacterial endocarditis and
myocarditis
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
1. IV fluids
2. Oxygen
3. Addition of bronchodilators and Mucolytics may enhance Sputum
clearance
4. Physiotherapy to teach effective Coughing technique
5. Mechanical ventilation may be required in patients with
Respiratory failure
HOMOEOPATHIC
THERAPEUTICS
1)Antimonium Tart:
This is useful for chest congestion and persistent cough with mucus. It helps clear
the airways and supports easier breathing.
2)Phosphorus:
Effective for dry cough and difficulty breathing, especially when there is blood in
phlegm. Phosphorus helps strengthen lung tissue.
3)Bryonia Alba:
Recommended for chest pain that worsens with movement or deep breathing.
Bryonia alleviates inflammation and supports lung health.
4)Arsenicum Album:
Known for treating respiratory infections with fever, restlessness, and
breath discomfort.
5)Kali Carb:
Useful for severe chest congestion and sharp chest pain, particularly when
breathing is shallow and labored.
6)Hepar Sulphur:
Ideal for infections with purulent phlegm, Hepar Sulphur reduces mucus
and ea lung irritation.
PREVENTION
1) Get vaccinated
2) Practice good hygiene
3) avoid people who are sick
4) cover your mouth and nose
5) Quiet smoking
6) Eat healthy diet and get regular physical activity