Pathophysiology
Pneumonia is the consequence of pathogen development and the host’s reaction from a pathophysiological perspective. It should be emphasized that bacterial reproduction does not always result in the development of pneumonia. The respiratory components of the lungs are the source of the development of an inflammatory response (Vardhmaan et al., 2022). It can be due to a reduction in the efficiency of the macroorganism’s defensive systems and a considerable dose of microorganisms or their increased virulence. It is worth noting that a variety of different agents cause pneumonia. If Streptococcus pneumoniae was formerly thought to be the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, experts can now only claim that it is still the most prevalent source of infection (Vardhmaan et al., 2022). Several other microorganisms, on the other hand, play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of pneumonia.
Pneumonia occurs when the pathogen’s virulence surpasses the immune system’s ability to defend against it. This can happen when a simultaneous condition causes an insufficient immune response. The massiveness of bacteria that have entered the body (aspiration of stomach contents) and the virulence of microorganisms are essential (Vardhmaan et al., 2022). Inhalation of microbial aerosols or aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions is the two most common methods for microorganisms to enter the lungs. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, gram-negative enterobacteria, and anaerobes are typically responsible for the latter, which is common in patients with weak neurogenic defensive systems (acute cerebrovascular accident).
Lung inflammation is more commonly caused by hematogenous spread from extrapulmonary sites and the reactivation of latent infection. Diffuse lung damage (acute respiratory distress syndrome) or inflammation that extends beyond the lungs and becomes systemic happens in rare circumstances (Mayo Clinic, 2020). Because the causes for the occurrence of such events are unknown, a genetic predisposition is hypothesized. Pneumonia caused by anaerobes is often observed when a large volume of vomit is aspirated or when virulent anaerobic microflora is contained in them (aspiration of food or necrotic masses).
Clinical Manifestations
Shortness of breath after pneumonia can occur both at rest and during exercise. The cause of respiratory failure is the depletion of compensatory mechanisms for oxygen saturation of cells and tissues and insufficient work of the respiratory organs. It should be noted that pneumonia of the right lung is diagnosed more often than the left. The right main bronchus, located obliquely, from top to bottom, throws bacteria into the lower parts of the lung so that a large number of colony-forming units accumulate in one place (Wallace, 2018). Right-sided pneumonia in adults and children occurs due to infection by airborne droplets and the activation of viruses and bacteria living in the upper part of the respiratory system. In viral-bacterial right-sided lower lobe pneumonia, respiratory viruses are the cause of lung inflammation only in the initial period of the disease.
Bacterial flora remains the primary pathogens determining the clinical picture, severity of the course and outcome of the disease. It should also be noted that Tom’s breathing rate exceeds the norm typical for this age (up to 20 breaths per minute) (Hunton, 2019). Saturation is an indicator of blood oxygen saturation. If the level is lowered, cardiovascular and respiratory system problems might be suspected. At 90-92%, a person has hypoxia, in which prevention is necessary. If the value is less than 90%, then the condition is critical, and emergency hospitalization is needed (Hunton, 2019). Usually, with pneumonia, the pressure drops. A person feels tired, lacks of strength, unwillingness to do anything. Most often, the pressure drops when the body temperature drops. If the pressure has increased, then there is a high probability of having absolutely nothing to do with pneumonia. However, in this case, it is noticeable that Tom’s blood pressure has decreased, indicating the disease’s presence. An increase in heart rate is also associated with an increase in body temperature – for every 1 degree of fever; the heart rate increases by 10-15 beats per minute.
References
Hunton, R. (2019). Updated concepts in the diagnosis and management of community-acquired pneumonia. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, 32(10), 18–23.
Mayo Clinic. (2020). ARDS – symptoms and causes. Web.
Vardhmaan, J., Rishik, V., & Gizem, Y. (2022). Pneumonia pathology. StatPearls. Web.
Wallace, W. A. (2018). Respiratory tract. In S. Cross (Ed.), Underwood’s Pathology: a Clinical Approach (pp. 284–316). Elsevier.