Pneumonia or lung inflammation is a serious disease. In such a disease, the lung tissue is acutely inflamed. Chronic forms are also not uncommon. Bronchopneumonia is a special form of common pneumonia.
What is bronchopneumonia?
Bronchopneumonia is the most common form of pneumonia. The doctor refers to it as a morphological form of the course of pneumonia. The description of the disease is determined by the exact location of the event, because the inflammation in this case first affects the bronchi. The trachea divides into two branches, the bronchi. These then branch further into smaller branches until they end in the alveoli, the alveoli of the lungs. It is in these alveoli that the exchange of gases takes place during inhalation and exhalation. Inflammation is focal, with foci of inflammation varying in size and located near and around the bronchi. The inflammation expands and migrates from the bronchi to the lungs.
Causes
There are many causes of bronchopneumonia. Bronchopneumonia often develops from bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchial tubes. In most cases, infection occurs through the air. Breathing in pathogens, for example flu viruses, can also lead to such pneumonia. When the lungs’ defenses are disturbed and weakened, the invasion of bacteria and viruses, as well as fungi and parasites, is facilitated. Allergies can also be a trigger for pneumonia. Rather rarely, the bronchial tubes become inflamed with subsequent pneumonia due to inhalation of irritants or toxins. In older people or children, swallowed objects or particles from food can also cause inflammation.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
In bronchopneumonia, the affected person suffers from various breathing difficulties and lung problems. In the worst case, this can also lead to the death of the affected person or permanent damage to the body if the disease is not treated properly. First and foremost, patients suffer from a severe cough associated with sputum. This has a negative effect on the patient’s quality of life and can also lead to restrictions in everyday life. Likewise, there may be a high fever and a general feeling of illness, and those affected may also suffer from fatigue or fatigue. These symptoms cannot be compensated by sleep. Since bronchopneumonia also causes an undersupply of oxygen to the body, it can lead to a blue discoloration of the skin and damage to the internal organs or even the brain. This damage is usually not treatable. Furthermore, pathological breathing noises also occur, which can lead to sleep problems or complications with one’s partner. In some cases, the disease also leads to chest pain, cramps or even vomiting. If bronchopneumonia is not treated, this can also result in a reduced life expectancy for the patient.
Diagnosis and course
To determine with certainty whether a patient has bronchopneumonia, the physician will first take the patient’s medical history. Most importantly, he will ask about current symptoms. He will listen to the patient thoroughly with a stethoscope. In most cases, he will already be able to determine whether there is inflammation of the lungs. Examination of the sputum and an X-ray can lead to a definite diagnosis in doubtful cases. A blood gas analysis and a lung function test can also provide information about the extent of the inflammation. Symptoms of bronchopneumonia initially include fever, cough and sputum. If it is a severe form of the disease, shortness of breath may also occur. If bacteria are the cause of the inflammation, the disease is quite severe. The fever rises rapidly, the general condition is greatly deteriorated. There may even be oxygen deficiency with bluish discoloration of the lips, fingers and toes. In viral pneumonia, the symptoms are less pronounced. The general condition is only slightly affected. In children, bronchopneumonia may present with vomiting, cramps, and chest pain.
Complications
Due to bronchopneumonia, patients suffer from severe discomfort in the lungs, which resembles pneumonia. Loud and abnormal breathing sounds occur, which are equally associated with shortness of breath. Often, patients also suffer from panic attacks during shortness of breath. Bronchopneumonia also causes fever and a general feeling of illness. The affected person is no longer able to go about his or her daily life in the usual way. The lips often turn blue and there is vomiting and a pain in the chest. The fever in bronchopneumonia is relatively high and can only be treated with bed rest. Usually, the patient increases an antibiotic and other medications during treatment to loosen the mucus. Complications can occur especially if bronchopneumonia is not treated or if the patient does not give the body a chance to recover during the illness. The breathing difficulties and high fever can lead to a life-threatening condition, especially in the elderly. If bronchopneumonia is treated and heals, no further symptoms usually occur.
When should you go to the doctor?
Since bronchopneumonia is a very serious and furthermore life-threatening disease, a doctor should be consulted in any case. Self-cure does not occur with this disease, so a visit to the doctor is essential. Especially in the case of persistent cough with sputum, a doctor must be consulted. Bronchopneumonia is manifested by shortness of breath and, in many cases, fever. If these symptoms do not disappear in the course of an ordinary cold, a doctor must be consulted. Likewise, abnormal breathing sounds may indicate bronchopneumonia and must be investigated. Breathing difficulties may also cause fatigue, lassitude, and blue discoloration of the patient’s lips and skin. Bronchopneumonia can be diagnosed and treated by a general practitioner or by an otolaryngologist or pulmonologist. In acute emergencies, an emergency physician should be called or the hospital should be visited.
Treatment and therapy
To control bronchopneumonia, the physician will first order general measures. Bed rest, light food and, most importantly, adequate intake of fluids set the stage for a speedy recovery. Further can inhalations to support the healing process. Breathing exercises and tapping massages also help to promote healing. If breathing is difficult, the supply of oxygen can be helpful. However, these general measures will not be enough. For bacterial bronchopneumonia, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is used. If the causative agent is proven, a specific antibiotic may be given. In addition, medications to loosen mucus and, if fever is high, antipyretic medications may be used. Because antibiotics are not effective against viruses, they are not used for inflammation caused by viruses. Their use as a preventive measure against bacterial superinfection in pneumonia is controversial.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, bronchopneumonia can be treated relatively well. Especially if diagnosed early, there is usually a favorable course of disease. If treatment is not received, those affected suffer from a significant lack of oxygen and consequently a blue discoloration of the skin and lips. Damage to the internal organs can also occur if the oxygen supply is also interrupted in this case. Children suffer from cramps, vomiting and severe chest pains as a result of bronchopneumonia. There is no self-healing, and the inflammation continues to spread. Sufferers generally feel tired and fatigued. In most cases, treatment of bronchopneumonia leads to a positive course and complete healing relatively quickly. By taking antibiotics, the symptoms are completely relieved. Since bronchopneumonia can also be associated with fever, antipyretic agents are also necessary. No particular complications or side effects occur. Recovery is accelerated by additional bed rest. After treatment, there are no further restrictions in the patient’s life.
Prevention
The best prevention is to protect oneself from infection. Above all, one should avoid contact with people who are already ill.Vaccination against influenza, which can cause bronchopneumonia, is especially recommended for the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions and chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or even AIDS) should get vaccinated.
Follow-up
In bronchopneumonia, follow-up care is not always mandatory, but it always has a positive effect on the course of the disease and can prevent further complications. The affected person should refrain from strenuous activities and from sporting activities in any case during this disease. In general, the lungs must recover from bronchopneumonia. The patient should not smoke under any circumstances and should pay attention to a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet. However, in some cases, artificial ventilation with oxygen is necessary. After the disease, it is also necessary to pay attention to the intake of antibiotics and other medications. The antibiotics should not be taken with alcohol, and the patient should also pay attention to the interaction with other medications. These can be discussed with the attending physician. Breathing exercises can also accelerate healing and have a positive effect on the course of the disease. These exercises can often be performed at home. The patient should also make sure that he or she drinks enough fluids. As a rule, there is complete healing without permanent damage. In the case of psychological complaints or depression, a psychologist can also be consulted.
This is what you can do yourself
Since bronchopneumonia is a serious disease of the bronchial tubes and lungs, it must not be treated by yourself under any circumstances like a simple cold. Therapy must be done under medical supervision to prevent serious and permanent damage to health. However, patients can do much to alleviate symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. For the latter, it is imperative that those affected strictly follow the doctor’s instructions if he has given bed rest or at least a ban on work. Overexertion or (renewed) hypothermia caused by spending time outdoors can significantly delay the recovery process. The recovery process is supported by sufficient fluid intake, a light, vitamin-rich vegetarian or vegan diet, and plenty of sleep. Stress, on the other hand, should be avoided by patients at all costs. One of the symptoms that almost always accompany bronchopneumonia is a severe cough, often with mucous or bloody sputum. Here, in addition to the medically prescribed drugs, some home remedies also provide improvement. Sage products, which are available as candies, drops or tea, soothe the cough and have an expectorant and astringent effect. Nasal rinses with salt water keep the entire ear, nose and throat area moist and counteract the colonization of the affected areas with bacteria. In case of severe fever, calf compresses or cold baths help. However, the latter are not suitable for patients with unstable circulation.
