Podcast
Questions and Answers
What defines pneumonia?
What defines pneumonia?
What is the primary difference between community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)?
What is the primary difference between community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)?
What is the second most common cause of pneumonia according to the data from 2011-2013?
What is the second most common cause of pneumonia according to the data from 2011-2013?
What type of pneumonia is primarily caused by anaerobic bacteria?
What type of pneumonia is primarily caused by anaerobic bacteria?
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Which organism is the third most common cause of pneumonia from 2011 to 2013?
Which organism is the third most common cause of pneumonia from 2011 to 2013?
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Which of the following is NOT a clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia?
Which of the following is NOT a clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia?
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The presence of pleural fluid in pneumonia warrants which of the following interventions?
The presence of pleural fluid in pneumonia warrants which of the following interventions?
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What complication of pneumonia involves accumulated pus in the pleural spaces?
What complication of pneumonia involves accumulated pus in the pleural spaces?
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What physical condition results from increased viscosity and resistance in the pulmonary system?
What physical condition results from increased viscosity and resistance in the pulmonary system?
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Which symptom requires a doctor visit in the management of bronchiectasis?
Which symptom requires a doctor visit in the management of bronchiectasis?
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Which of the following organisms was the most frequently identified cause of pneumonia from 2011 to 2013?
Which of the following organisms was the most frequently identified cause of pneumonia from 2011 to 2013?
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Name one anaerobic bacterium that is associated with pneumonia.
Name one anaerobic bacterium that is associated with pneumonia.
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The organism ____________ is the second most common cause of pneumonia according to the data from 2011-2013.
The organism ____________ is the second most common cause of pneumonia according to the data from 2011-2013.
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Identify one comorbidity that is a risk factor for pneumonia.
Identify one comorbidity that is a risk factor for pneumonia.
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Pleural effusion is a risk factor that can lead to pneumonia.
Pleural effusion is a risk factor that can lead to pneumonia.
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What hematocrit level indicates polycythemia?
What hematocrit level indicates polycythemia?
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What is a common medication used as a mucolytic agent to loosen sputum?
What is a common medication used as a mucolytic agent to loosen sputum?
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Chronic sinusitis can present with nasal _____ as a symptom.
Chronic sinusitis can present with nasal _____ as a symptom.
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What test can help determine the specific bacterial pathogen involved in pneumonia?
What test can help determine the specific bacterial pathogen involved in pneumonia?
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In viral pneumonia, the initial route of infection is through __________.
In viral pneumonia, the initial route of infection is through __________.
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Hypoxia or insufficient oxygen can lead to __________ in patients with pneumonia.
Hypoxia or insufficient oxygen can lead to __________ in patients with pneumonia.
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What laboratory finding typically increases in pneumonia?
What laboratory finding typically increases in pneumonia?
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During which stage of bacterial pneumonia is the presence of abundant fibrin and a decrease in polymorphonuclear leukocytes observed?
During which stage of bacterial pneumonia is the presence of abundant fibrin and a decrease in polymorphonuclear leukocytes observed?
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Name one clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia.
Name one clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia.
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In bacterial pneumonia, the presence of ___ fluid may indicate the need for a thoracentesis.
In bacterial pneumonia, the presence of ___ fluid may indicate the need for a thoracentesis.
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What type of cough is commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia?
What type of cough is commonly associated with bacterial pneumonia?
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The ___ stage of bacterial pneumonia involves the resolution of exudate and presence of macrophages.
The ___ stage of bacterial pneumonia involves the resolution of exudate and presence of macrophages.
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Which symptom is commonly assessed through auscultation in pneumonia patients?
Which symptom is commonly assessed through auscultation in pneumonia patients?
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Which of the following is a major risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia?
Which of the following is a major risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia?
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Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) can occur within 48 hours after intubation.
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) can occur within 48 hours after intubation.
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What is one method to improve personal hygiene to prevent pneumonia?
What is one method to improve personal hygiene to prevent pneumonia?
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The head of the bed should be elevated to __________ degrees to help prevent VAP.
The head of the bed should be elevated to __________ degrees to help prevent VAP.
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Match the following aspects of VAP prevention with their descriptions:
Match the following aspects of VAP prevention with their descriptions:
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the VAP prevention bundle?
Which of the following is NOT a component of the VAP prevention bundle?
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Aspiration through microchannels to the lung is a significant part of VAP pathogenesis.
Aspiration through microchannels to the lung is a significant part of VAP pathogenesis.
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What does the acronym ATS stand for in relation to pneumonia definitions?
What does the acronym ATS stand for in relation to pneumonia definitions?
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Improvement in __________ is essential to prevent pneumonia.
Improvement in __________ is essential to prevent pneumonia.
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Which of these might enhance colonization of the oropharynx in patients at risk for VAP?
Which of these might enhance colonization of the oropharynx in patients at risk for VAP?
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Explain how the immune response contributes to the pathophysiology of pneumonia.
Explain how the immune response contributes to the pathophysiology of pneumonia.
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What are common vital sign abnormalities indicative of sepsis in pneumonia patients?
What are common vital sign abnormalities indicative of sepsis in pneumonia patients?
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Discuss the role of sputum culture and sensitivity tests in the diagnosis of pneumonia.
Discuss the role of sputum culture and sensitivity tests in the diagnosis of pneumonia.
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Describe how viral pneumonia leads to secondary bacterial infections.
Describe how viral pneumonia leads to secondary bacterial infections.
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What is the significance of the consolidation stage in bacterial pneumonia?
What is the significance of the consolidation stage in bacterial pneumonia?
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What lifestyle habit is identified as a risk factor for pneumonia alongside smoking?
What lifestyle habit is identified as a risk factor for pneumonia alongside smoking?
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Name a comorbidity associated with an increased risk of pneumonia related to lung health.
Name a comorbidity associated with an increased risk of pneumonia related to lung health.
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According to the data from 2011-2013, which organism is listed as the second leading cause of pneumonia?
According to the data from 2011-2013, which organism is listed as the second leading cause of pneumonia?
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Identify one type of bacterial pneumonia caused by an organism that requires anaerobic conditions.
Identify one type of bacterial pneumonia caused by an organism that requires anaerobic conditions.
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List a factor related to health care that can increase the risk of pneumonia in hospitalized patients.
List a factor related to health care that can increase the risk of pneumonia in hospitalized patients.
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What is a significant risk factor related to living conditions that can contribute to pneumonia?
What is a significant risk factor related to living conditions that can contribute to pneumonia?
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What role does prolonged wound care play in the development of pneumonia in patients?
What role does prolonged wound care play in the development of pneumonia in patients?
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Name another infectious agent, besides bacteria, that is mentioned as a cause of pneumonia.
Name another infectious agent, besides bacteria, that is mentioned as a cause of pneumonia.
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What factors can improve body resistance against pneumonia?
What factors can improve body resistance against pneumonia?
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Describe the significance of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
Describe the significance of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
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What role does health care professional handling play in nosocomial pneumonia risk?
What role does health care professional handling play in nosocomial pneumonia risk?
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What are two components of the VAP prevention bundle?
What are two components of the VAP prevention bundle?
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How can aspiration contribute to the pathogenesis of VAP?
How can aspiration contribute to the pathogenesis of VAP?
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What daily assessment is crucial for ventilated patients to prevent VAP?
What daily assessment is crucial for ventilated patients to prevent VAP?
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Identify a risk factor related to supine positioning that can enhance pneumonia risk.
Identify a risk factor related to supine positioning that can enhance pneumonia risk.
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What is the recommended angle for head elevation in VAP prevention?
What is the recommended angle for head elevation in VAP prevention?
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What adaptive response occurs in the lungs due to hypoxia?
What adaptive response occurs in the lungs due to hypoxia?
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At what hematocrit level is polycythemia indicated in patients?
At what hematocrit level is polycythemia indicated in patients?
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What are two potential complications of chronic hypoxemia?
What are two potential complications of chronic hypoxemia?
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Name one medication used to manage sputum in patients with bronchiectasis.
Name one medication used to manage sputum in patients with bronchiectasis.
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What symptom indicates the need for increased home chest physiotherapy frequency?
What symptom indicates the need for increased home chest physiotherapy frequency?
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What physical condition results primarily from increased viscosity and resistance in the pulmonary system?
What physical condition results primarily from increased viscosity and resistance in the pulmonary system?
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Explain the role of bronchial artery embolization in the management of massive hemoptysis.
Explain the role of bronchial artery embolization in the management of massive hemoptysis.
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What is one key patient education topic for those managing bronchiectasis?
What is one key patient education topic for those managing bronchiectasis?
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How do crackles relate to the clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia?
How do crackles relate to the clinical presentation of bacterial pneumonia?
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What is the primary medical management approach for a patient with bacterial pneumonia?
What is the primary medical management approach for a patient with bacterial pneumonia?
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What occurs during the red hepatization stage of bacterial pneumonia?
What occurs during the red hepatization stage of bacterial pneumonia?
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What is the significance of thoracentesis in the context of pneumonia?
What is the significance of thoracentesis in the context of pneumonia?
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How does the resolution stage of bacterial pneumonia differ from previous stages?
How does the resolution stage of bacterial pneumonia differ from previous stages?
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Identify one complication linked to bacterial pneumonia.
Identify one complication linked to bacterial pneumonia.
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What role does physiotherapy play in the management of pneumonia?
What role does physiotherapy play in the management of pneumonia?
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How is hypoxemia diagnosed in patients with pneumonia?
How is hypoxemia diagnosed in patients with pneumonia?
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What differentiating feature is assessed through auscultation to distinguish pneumonia from lung fibrosis?
What differentiating feature is assessed through auscultation to distinguish pneumonia from lung fibrosis?
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How can vaccination contribute to the prevention of bacterial pneumonia?
How can vaccination contribute to the prevention of bacterial pneumonia?
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Study Notes
Pneumonia
- Acute infection of air sacs in one or both lungs
- Caused by: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or non-infectious causes (idiopathic interstitial pneumonia)
- Air sacs contain fluid and pus
- Trend: Decreasing cases but increasing deaths, with a higher death rate in men than women
Types of Pneumonia
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): Develops outside of healthcare settings
- Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP): Develops in long-term care facilities
- Healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP): Develops during or after a hospital stay
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP): Develops after being on a ventilator
- Aspiration pneumonia: Caused by aspiration of food, saliva, or gastric contents into the airways
CAP vs HAP (Causative Organisms)
- CAP: Most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- HAP: Most commonly caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enteric gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E coli, Proteus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia spp.), Chlamydia pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Anaerobic bacteria
CAP vs HAP (Risk Factors)
- CAP: Smoking, alcoholism, COPD, congestive heart failure (CHF), immunocompromise, seizures, dementia
- HAP: Hospitalization longer than 5 days, previous infection with resistant organisms, surgery, pleural effusion, chemotherapy, dialysis, prolonged wound care, and residence in a nursing home
Types of Pneumonia (Based on Affected Sites)
- Crackles: CXR may show minor infiltrates to severe bilateral involvement, less frequent consolidations, and pleural effusion. Often secondary to bacterial infections, leading to productive cough
Bacterial Pneumonia
-
Timeline:
- Engorgement stage: First few days of infection, vascular engorgement, serious exudation, bacterial colonization
- Red hepatisation stage: 2-4 days, Diapedesis of RBC, alveoli fill with polymorphonuclear leukocytes, fibrin, and RBC. Fluid exudate and organisms continue to multiply
- Gray hepatisation stage: 4-8 days, Abundant fibrin, decreased polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and dead bacteria. Consolidation continues
- Resolution stage: After 8 days, Consolidation resolves. Macrophages and enzymatic digestion of exudate occur
-
Clinical presentation: Fever, dyspnoea, tachypnea and tachycardia, hypoxemia, cough with purulent sputum, pleuritic chest pain, decreased chest expansion, muscle splinting, decreased/ absent breath sounds, wheezing, crackles
-
CXR: Atelectasis, infiltrates and consolidation
Causes of Atelectasis
- Airway obstruction: Compressed by a tumor, abnormal tissues, or a foreign body.
- Hypoventilation: Usually occurs post-operatively
- Fibrosis and chronic inflammation: Chronic pneumonia
Pneumonia Medical Management
- Antibiotics (tablet or IV)
- Medications to reduce fever and inflammation
- Increased fluid intake
- Ultrasonic nebulization (for improved breathing)
- Supplementary oxygen (for severe cases)
Physiotherapy Management Goals (Pneumonia)
- Reversing alveolar hypoventilation
- Increasing ventilation/perfusion matching
- Minimizing effects of impaired mucociliary transport
- Augmenting mucociliary clearance
- Minimizing effects of increased mucous production
- Reducing sputum retention
- Optimizing lymphatic drainage of the lungs
- Promoting lung expansion
CXR Image
- RUL: Right upper lobe
- LtUL & Lingula: Left upper lobe and lingula
Complications of Pneumonia
- Lung fibrosis
- Cavitary lesion with lung abscess (postural drainage may be required)
- Pleural effusion
- Empyema (pus in the pleural spaces)
- Septicemia
- Respiratory failure (needing mechanical ventilation)
Differentiating Pneumonia and Lung Fibrosis
- Pneumonia: Inspiratory crackles that can be altered by coughing
- Lung Fibrosis: Inspiratory crackles that are not altered by coughing
Pneumonia Prevention
- Improve body resistance
- Improve personal hygiene
- Avoid crowded areas
- Wear masks if suffering from respiratory symptoms
- Wash hands
VAP (Ventilator Associated Pneumonia)
- Definition: Pneumonia that occurs at the time of intubation and ventilation or within 48 hours.
- Importance: Common in mechanically ventilated patients, second most common infection in ICUs, and increases length of stay in ICU
- Preventable:
Risk Factors For Nosocomial Pneumonia
- Major: Improper handling by healthcare professionals, enhancing colonization of the oropharynx or stomach.
-
Contributing factors:
- Mechanical intubation
- Administration of antibiotics
- Underlying chronic lung disease
- Supine position
- Nasogastric tube placement
- Immobilisation
- Surgery of the head, neck, thorax, or upper abdomen
- *Coma
Pathogenesis of VAP
- Pooling of secretions through microchannels to the lung under suction (ETT)
- Aspiration through microchannels to the lung
- Biofilm formation
- Intubation procedures
- Contaminated respiratory equipment
VAP Prevention Bundle
- Elevation of Head of Bed (30-45 degrees)
- Daily sedative interruption and assessment of readiness to extubate
- Daily oral care with chlorhexidine
- Maintain airway pressure (PEEP, minimize MHI, avoid routine suction)
- Peptic ulcer disease and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis
- Promote early mobilization
Bronchiectasis
- Dilated and damaged airways, leading to chronic inflammation and recurrent infections
Causes and Risk Factors
- Common causes: Cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, immunodeficiency, chronic lung diseases, pneumonia.
- Other risk factors: Smoking, air pollution, genetic predisposition
Clinical Manifestations
- Respiratory symptoms: Chronic productive cough, dyspnoea, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), recurrent chest infections
- Physical examination: Digital clubbing, cyanosis, plethora (increased red blood cells), weight loss, nasal polyps, signs of cor-pulmonale (right heart failure)
- Radiographic findings: Bronchiectasis is visible on CXR, CT is better at identifying the extent and nature of the disease
Consequences of Bronchiectasis
- Recurrent chest infections
- Pneumonia
- Lung abscess
- Empyema
- Septicemia
- Chronic hypoxemia
- Cor-pulmonale
- Respiratory failure
Management of Bronchiectasis
- Antibiotics: Long-term antibiotics are often necessary to prevent and treat infections, e.g., Azithromycin.
- Mucolytics: To thin the sputum and improve airway clearance, e.g., N-acetylcysteine (NAC), ambroxol, sobrerol, carbocysteine
- Trasmine: To control active bleeding
- Bronchial artery embolization: For massive hemoptysis
- Oxygen therapy: For hypoxemia
- Chest physiotherapy: Airway clearance techniques (including postural drainage, percussion), breathing retraining, dyspnea management, and physical reconditioning
- Patient education: Self-management skills (medication, chest physiotherapy), recognizing signs of exacerbations, when to seek medical attention
Pneumonia
-
Common causative organisms: E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Proteus, Enterobacter, Serratia spp.
-
Risk Factors:
- Habits: Smoking, Alcoholism
- Hospitalisation: More than 5 days, previous infection with resistant organisms, surgery, pleural effusion, chemotherapy, dialysis, prolonged wound care, residence in a nursing home
- Other Comorbidities: COPD, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Immunocompromise, Seizures, Dementia
Types of Pneumonia
- Cyanosis: Caused by hypoxia
Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
- Multiplication of Pathogen: Bacterial pathogen escapes respiratory defenses and multiplies within the alveoli and airways
- Intense Immune and Inflammatory Response: Macrophages in the lower airways and alveoli recognize pathogens
- Consolidation: Inflammatory cytokines, white blood cells, and edema flood the alveoli and bronchi
- Hypoxia: V/Q mismatch
- Spreading: Infection may spread to the bloodstream (bacteremia and sepsis), pleura (empyema), or other organs (e.g., meningitis)
Diagnosis
-
Physical Signs: Abnormal chest X-ray, fever, tachycardia, low blood pressure, desaturation, increased respiratory rate
- Low blood pressure and increased respiratory rate may indicate sepsis
-
Laboratory Tests:
- Increased white blood cell count in complete blood count (CBC)
- Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) (normal: 0.25 ng/mL) indicates infection
- Sputum culture and sensitivity test (C/ST)
-
Imaging:
- CT thorax - to rule out pulmonary embolism and other respiratory conditions
- Well's Score - to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) for aspiration and testing
Viral Pneumonia
- Route of Infection: Droplet
- Frequent Site of Infection: Ciliated cells of the respiratory tract
Pathophysiology of Viral Pneumonia
- Ciliated cells become paralyzed and degenerate leading to:
- Necrosis and desquamation
- A thin layer of non-ciliated basal replacement cells in the mucociliary blanket
- Inflammatory responses leading to exudation of fluid and erythrocytes in both the alveolar space and airways
- Formation of intra-alveolar hyaline membrane leading to congestion (alveoli filled with blood) and edema
- Involved lung is susceptible to superimposed bacterial infections
Clinical Presentation of Viral Pneumonia
- Fever
- Dyspnea
- Persistent, non-productive cough
- Auscultation: Scattered inspiratory crackles
- Chest X-ray: Minor infiltrates to severe bilateral involvement, less frequent consolidations, and pleural effusion
- Secondary bacterial infections often lead to productive cough
Medical Management of Viral Pneumonia
- Rest and sleep
- High fluid intake and good nutrition
- Reduced stress
- Prevention: Receive vaccine
Bacterial Pneumonia
-
Types:
- Primary Infection: Pneumococcal origin
- Secondary Infection: When the patient's defense system is ineffective
-
Presence of Pleural Fluid: Thoracentesis may be required
Stages of Bacterial Infection of Lung Tissues
- Engorgement Stage (First Few Days): Vascular engorgement, serious exudation, bacterial colonization
- Red Hepatization Stage (Within 2-4 Days): Diapedesis of RBC, alveoli full of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, fibrin and RBC, fluid exudate and organisms continue to multiply, areas of consolidation become evident
- Gray Hepatization Stage (Within 4-8 Days): Abundant fibrin, decreased polymorphonuclear leukocytes and dead bacteria, consolidation continues
- Resolution Stage (After 8 Days): The area of consolidation begins to resolve, macrophages and enzymatic digestion of exudate are present, affected tissue with a large amount of grayish-red fluid within the alveoli, chest physiotherapy for removal of secretion, continues for 2-3 weeks, lung returns to a more normal appearance
Clinical Presentation of Bacterial Pneumonia
- Fever
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen)
- Cough with purulent sputum (containing pus)
- Pleuritic chest pain over the affected lung field
- Physical examination: Decreased chest expansion over the affected area and muscle splinting
- Auscultation: Decreased/absent breath sounds, wheeze, or crackles
- Chest X-ray: Atelectasis, infiltrates, and consolidation
Causes of Atelectasis
- Airway obstruction (absorption atelectasis): Compressed by tumor, abnormal tissues, foreign body, or secretion
- Hypoventilation, usually post-operative
- Fibrosis and chronic inflammation (chronic pneumonia)
Medical Management of Bacterial Pneumonia
- Antibiotics (tablet/IV)
- Medication
- Increased fluid intake
- Ultrasonic nebulization: Helps to breathe better
- Supplementary oxygen if symptoms are severe
Physiotherapy Management of Pneumonia (Goals)
- Reversing alveolar hypoventilation
- Increasing ventilation/perfusion matching
- Minimizing the effects of impaired mucociliary transport
- Augmenting mucociliary clearance
- Minimizing the effects of increased mucus production
- Reducing sputum retention
- Optimizing lymphatic drainage of the lungs
- Promoting lung expansion
Chest X-ray
- Right Upper Lobe (RUL)
- Left Upper Lobe (LtUL) & Lingula
Complications of Pneumonia
- Lung fibrosis
- Cavitary lesion with lung abscess (requires postural drainage)
- Pleural effusion
- Empyema: Pus (infection) in the pleural spaces
- Septicemia (blood poisoning)
- Respiratory failure - May require mechanical ventilation
Differentiating Pneumonia and Lung Fibrosis by Auscultation
Pneumonia | Lung Fibrosis |
---|---|
Inspiratory crackles | Inspiratory crackles |
Quality can be altered by cough | Quality X be altered by cough |
Prevention of Pneumonia
- Improve body resistance
- Improve personal hygiene
- Avoid crowded areas
- Wear masks if suffering from respiratory symptoms
- Wash hands
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
-
Definition:
- CDC: Pneumonia occurring in intubated and ventilated patients or within 48 hours of intubation
- ATS (American Thoracic Society) and IDSA (Infectious Diseases Society of America): Arise > 48-72 hours after intubation
-
Importance: Common in mechanically ventilated patients, second most common infection in the ICU, increases length of stay in the ICU, preventable
Risk factors for Nosocomial (Hospital-Acquired) Pneumonia
-
Major:
- Improper handling by healthcare professionals
- Enhancing colonization of the oropharynx or stomach
- Mechanical intubation
- Administration of antibiotics
- Underlying chronic lung disease
-
Favoring Aspiration into the Respiratory Tract/Reflux from the GI Tract:
- Supine position
- Nasogastric tube placement
- Immobilisation
- Surgery of the head, neck, thorax, or upper abdomen
- Coma
Pathogenesis of VAP
-
Pooling of secretion: Through microchannels to the lung, often under suction
- Endotracheal tube (ETT)
- Tracheostomy
- Aspiration: Through microchannels to the lung
- Biofilm formation
- Intubation procedures
- Contaminated respiratory equipment
VAP Prevention Bundle
- Elevation of the Head of the Bed 30°-45°: Avoid supine positioning
- Daily Sedative Interruption and Daily Assessment of Readiness to Extubate
- Daily Oral Care with Chlorhexidine
-
Maintain Airway Pressure:
- Maintenance of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) and minimize manual lung hyperinflation (MHI)
- Avoid routine suctioning and keep suction pressure and duration to a minimum.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease and Deep Venous Thrombosis Prophylaxis
- Promote Early Mobilization
Physiotherapy Aspects Related to VAP
- Digital clubbing (in advanced pulmonary cases)
- Cyanosis and plethora with polycythemia (increased red blood cell mass) from chronic hypoxia
- Hypoxemia: Pulmonary vasoconstriction + redistribution of blood to optimally ventilated lung segments (an adaptive vasomotor response).
- Polycythemia: Check hematocrit (ratio of RBC to total blood volume) >55% and hemoglobin level (F: >16.5g/dL and M: >18.5g/dL
- Wasting and weight loss
- Nasal polyps and signs of chronic sinusitis
- Physical stigmata of cor-pulmonale (right heart failure) in advanced disease:
- Increased viscosity (polycythemia) and increased resistance (hypoxia) leads to extra work for the heart to pump blood through the lungs. This causes the right ventricle of the heart to work harder, leading to increased pressure, dilation, and bulging.
CT Findings
- Bronchiectasis: Abnormal, widened airways caused by inflammation and infection.
-
Consequences of Bronchiectasis:
- Recurrent chest infections
- Pneumonia
- Lung abscess
- Empyema
- Septicemia
- Chronic hypoxemia leading to cor-pulmonale
- Respiratory failure
Management of Bronchiectasis
- Antibiotics: e.g., azithromycin
- Mucolytic agents: To loosen sputum, e.g., N-acetylcysteine (NAC), ambroxol, sobrerol, and carbocysteine
- Tranexamic acid: For cases with active bleeding
- Bronchial artery embolization: For massive hemorrhage
- Hypoxemia: Oxygen therapy
-
Chest Physiotherapy:
- Airway clearance techniques + home management (home postural drainage and percussion)
- Prescription of adjuncts, e.g., flutter, acapella for self-management
- Breathing retraining
- Dyspnea management
- Oxygen therapy
- Physical reconditioning
-
Patient Education:
- Self-management skills
- When to take tranexamic acid/antibiotics for prophylaxis
- When to increase the frequency of home chest physiotherapy
- When to visit a doctor: Acute exacerbation and uncontrolled hemoptysis
- Appropriate physical training
Pneumonia
- Causes: Bacterial (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), viral, fungal, and anaerobic bacteria
- Risk factors: Smoking, alcoholism, COPD, CHF, immunocompromise, previous infections with resistant organisms, hospitalization for more than 5 days, surgery, pleural effusion, chemotherapy, dialysis, prolonged wound care, residence in a nursing home
-
Pathophysiology:
- Bacterial pathogens multiply in alveoli and airways.
- Macrophages trigger an inflammatory response.
- Consolidation occurs as inflammatory cytokines, white blood cells, and edema flood the alveoli and bronchi.
- Hypoxia: V/Q mismatch.
- Infection can spread to the bloodstream (bacteremia and sepsis), pleura (empyema), or other organs (e.g., meningitis).
-
Diagnosis:
- Abnormal CXR, vital signs (fever, tachycardia, low BP, desaturation, and increased respiratory rate).
- Elevated WBC count in CBP/CBC, elevated CRP.
- Sputum culture and sensitivity test.
- FOB fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
- Rule out pulmonary embolism and other conditions with CT thorax.
- Rule out DVT with Wells' score.
- Aspiration and testing with bronchoscopy and BAL.
Viral Pneumonia
- Route of infection: Droplets
- Frequent site of infection: Ciliated cells of the respiratory tract
-
Pathophysiology:
- Ciliated cells become paralyzed and degenerate.
- Necrosis and desquamation occur.
- A thin layer of non-ciliated basal replacement cells form in the mucociliary blanket.
- Inflammatory responses lead to fluid and erythrocyte exudation in the alveolar space and airways.
- Intra-alveolar hyaline membrane forms, causing congestion and edema.
- Susceptible to superimposed bacterial infections.
-
Clinical presentation:
- Fever, dyspnea, persistent non-productive cough, scattered inspiratory crackles on auscultation.
- CXR shows infiltrates, severe bilateral involvement, less frequent consolidations, and pleural effusion.
- Secondary bacterial infections can lead to a productive cough.
- Medical management: Rest, sleep, high fluid intake, good nutrition, reduced stress, and vaccination.
Bacterial Pneumonia
-
Types: Primary (e.g., pneumococcal origin) and secondary (when the patient's defense system is ineffective).
-
Stages:
- Engorgement stage: Vascular engorgement, serious exudation, bacterial colonization.
- Red hepatization stage: Diapedesis of RBCs, alveoli full of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, fibrin, and RBCs. Fluid exudate and organisms continue to multiply. Areas of consolidation become evident.
- Gray hepatization stage: Abundant fibrin, decreased polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and dead bacteria. Consolidation continues.
- Resolution stage: Areas of consolidation begin to resolve. Macrophages and enzymatic digestion of exudate is present. Lung returns to a more normal appearance over 2-3 weeks.
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Clinical presentation: Fever, dyspnea, tachypnea, tachycardia, hypoxemia, cough with purulent sputum, pleuritic chest pain, decreased chest expansion over the affected area and muscle splinting, decreased or absent breath sounds, wheezes or crackles on auscultation, CXR showing atelectasis, infiltrates, and consolidation.
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Causes of atelectasis: Airway obstruction, hypoventilation, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation.
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Medical management: Antibiotics (tablet/IV), medication, increased fluid intake, ultrasonic nebulization, supplementary oxygen.
Physiotherapy Management (Pneumonia)
- Goals: Reverse alveolar hypoventilation, increase ventilation/perfusion matching, minimize the effects of impaired mucociliary transport, augment mucociliary clearance, minimize the effects of increased mucus production, reduce sputum retention, optimize lymphatic drainage of the lungs, and promote lung expansion.
- Interventions: Airway clearance techniques, chest physiotherapy, breathing retraining, dyspnea management, oxygen therapy, and physical reconditioning.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
- Definition: Pneumonia that occurs in intubated and ventilated patients within 48 hours (CDC) or 48-72 hours (ATS and IDSA).
- Importance: Common in mechanically ventilated patients, second most common infection in the ICU, and increases length of stay in the ICU.
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Risk factors:
- Major: Improper handling by healthcare professionals, enhancing colonization of the oropharynx/stomach (mechanical intubation, administration of antibiotics, underlying chronic lung disease), favoring aspiration into the respiratory tract/reflux from the GI tract (supine position, nasogastric tube placement, immobilization, surgery of the head/neck/thorax/upper abdomen, coma).
- Pathogenesis: Secretion pooling, aspiration, biofilm formation, intubation procedures, and contaminated respiratory equipment.
- VAP prevention bundle: Elevation of the head of the bed (30-45 degrees), daily sedative interruption and assessment of readiness to extubate, daily oral care with chlorhexidine, maintenance of airway pressure (PEEP, minimize MHI, avoid routine suction, keep suction pressure low and duration short), peptic ulcer disease and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis, and promote early mobilization.
- Physiotherapy aspects to prevent VAP: Digital clubbing, cyanosis and plethora with polycythemia, wasting and weight loss, nasal polyps, signs of chronic sinusitis, physical stigmata of cor pulmonale.
Bronchiectasis
- Definition: Irreversible dilation of the bronchi, often associated with chronic lung infections.
- Causes: Cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, immunodeficiency, infections (e.g., tuberculosis, pertussis), aspiration, and autoimmune diseases.
- Clinical presentation: Recurrent chest infections, dyspnea, cough (with copious sputum), hemoptysis, digital clubbing, cyanosis, weight loss.
- CT findings: Dilated bronchi, bronchial wall thickening, mucus plugging, and atelectasis.
- Consequences: Recurrent chest infections, pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema, septicemia, chronic hypoxemia (leading to cor pulmonale), and respiratory failure.
- Management: Antibiotics, mucolytic agents, transamine, bronchial artery embolization, oxygen therapy, chest physiotherapy, breathing retraining, dyspnea management, physical reconditioning, and patient education.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamentals of pneumonia, including its definition, causes, and the various types such as community-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia. It also contrasts the causative organisms for community-acquired pneumonia versus healthcare-acquired pneumonia, highlighting key statistics and trends regarding this condition.