PBL 1 Flashcards
What is pneumonia?
an infection in the lungs caused by microbes which leads to inflammation and fluid in the lung tissue
describe the pathophysiology of pneumonia?
microbe enter the alveoli by inhalation which triggers the immune response. WBCs engulf and kill microbe whilst releasing cytokines but are overwhelmed resulting in the production of exudate which fills the alveolar spaces, rendering them airless
what is bronchopneumonia?
when the infection is throughout the lungs, including the bronchioles and alveoli
what is atypical or interstitial pneumonia?
when the infection is only in the interstitium outside the alveoli
what is lobar pneumonia?
when the infection causes complete consolidation of the whole lobe of the lung
what are the stages of lobar pneumonia?
- congestion
- red hepatization
- grey hepatization
- resolution
outline the congestion phase of lobar pneumonia?
it occurs within 24 hours of infection, many bacteria and not many WBC, lungs look red
outline the red hepatization stage of lobar pneumonia?
occurs after 2-3 days and lasts 2-4 days. affected lung becomes more dry, granular and airless. RBC, WBC, cellular debris and bacteria can clog the airways
outline the grey hepatization stage of pneumonia?
occurs on day 4-6 and lasts 4-8 days. lung looks grey or yellow. Fibrin, hemosiderin and red blood cells break down and lead to a more exudate. Macrophages start to form.
outline the resolution stage of pneumonia?
days 8-10
Fluids and breakdown products from cell destruction are reabsorbed. Macrophages are present and help to clear white blood cells and leftover debris. You may cough up this debris. The airways and alveoli return to normal lung function.
what are the symptoms of pneumonia?
dry or productive cough, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, fever, feeling generally unwell, sweating, shivering, loss of appetite, pleuritic chest pain, haemoptysis, headaches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, joint/muscle pain, confusion/disorientation
what does bronchopneumonia look like on xray?
patchy areas of fluid spread throughout the lungs
what does atypical pneumonia look like on xray?
fluid concentrated in the perihilar region
what does lobar pneumonia look like on xray?
fluid localised to a singular lobe or set of lobes
what are some clinical signs of pneumonia that you would find on examination?
dullness to percussion tatctile vocal fremitus bronchial breath sounds late inspiratory crackles bronchophony egophony