Askep Bronkhopneumonia

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Bronchopneumonia

Definition

Acute inflammation of the walls of the smaller bronchial tubes, with varying amounts of pulmonary consolidation due to spread of the inflammation into peribronchiolar alveoli and the alveolar ducts; may become confluent or may be hemorrhagic. SYN: bronchial pneumonia.
Source: Stedman's Medical Spellchecker, © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.

Causes

Bronchopneumonia is closely associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia. In a person suffering from bronchopneumonia, bacteria invade the lungs, which results to an inflammatory immune response. This reaction of the lungs leads to the filling of the alveolar sacs with exudates. As a result, consolidation takes place: a condition wherein the air space in the lungs is replaced with fluids.

Symptoms

The following are the common bronchopneumonia symptoms:

• Fever: Any body temperature that goes above 37°C or 98.6°F is considered fever already. In bronchopneumonia, fever may be a symptom for having the disease especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as colds, coughing, and difficulty in breathing.
• Cough: Coughing is a natural reaction of the body to the presence of certain elements that may irritate the throat. Moreover, coughing is very important to keep the throat and airway clean and clear, thus making breathing easy. However, if coughing becomes persistent and especially if it is accompanied by mucus, then it is a sign of something more serious than ordinary coughing. A person with bronchopneumonia experiences frequent and excessive coughing, sometimes accompanied by mucus.
• Chest pain: Any form of chest pain should be a cause for concern for those affected by bronchopneumonia. Chest pain is frequent and associated with excessive coughing and difficulty in breathing.
  A person with bronchopneumonia easily becomes fatigued and experiences difficulty in breathing especially after doing some strenuous exercise or after playing.
• A person with bronchopneumonia not only experiences difficulty in breathing but also feels that there is also the sensation of not getting enough air. As a result, the person gasps for air frequently.