Pneumonia

Question 1

What is Pneumonia?

Answer 1

Is an inflammatory condition of the lung leading to abnormal alveolar filling with consolidation and exudation

Question 2

Describe the pathology of pneumonia

Answer 2

• Infection or chemical or aspiration irritant
• During pulmonary infection, acute inflammation results in the migration of neutrophils out of capillaries and into airspaces (alveoli), these cells phagocytose and release antimicrobial enzymes and inhibitors → more inflammation and oedema

Question 3

Describe the stages of pneumonia

Answer 3

1. Congestion (first 24 hours) - characterised by vascular engorgement, intra-alveolar fluid & numerous bacteria; the lung is heavy, boggy and red
2. Red Hepatization (2-3 days) - massive exudation develops with red blood cells, leukocytes & fibrin filling the alveolar spaces; the affected area appears red, firm and airless with a liver like consistency
3. Gray hepitization (4-6 days) characterized by progressive disintegration of red blood cells and the persistence of a fibrin exudate.
4. Resolution - the consolidated exudate within the alveolar spaces undergoes progressive digestion to produce debris that is later reabsorbed, ingested by macrophages or coughed up

Question 4

What are the classifications of pneumonia?

Answer 4

1. Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
2. Health Care Associated Pneumonia (HCAP)
3. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)
4. Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

Question 5

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia

Answer 5

Fever, muscle ache, coughing, rapid heartbeat and loss of appetite

Question 6

Causes of pneumonia

Answer 6

Bacteria e.g. Streptococcus pneumonia, haemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
Fungi
Virus e.g. respiratory syncytial
Parasites 
Chemical
Aspiration
Inhalation (smoke, burns)