Bronchial pneumonia is a viral or bacterial infection which affects the patches of the lungs and bronchial tubes. Inflammation and irritation spreads to various bronchi patches and may present on both the lungs. Patients may develop this condition after being affected with the flu or cold because of weakened immune system. Smokers, allergy sufferers and asthmatics are more prone to this condition because of decrease in capacity of the lung.
Bronchial pneumonia mostly affects children, infants, elderly people and people with compromised immune systems which afflicts the respiratory system and entire body too.
Symptoms of Bronchial Pneumonia:
Symptoms of this condition varies with the underlying cause:
Bacterial Pneumonia:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Shortness of Breath
- Shallow and rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Chills
- Fever
Viral Pneumonia:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Cough with phlegm
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Skin rashes
- Low-grade fever
- Joint aches
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
Mycoplasma Pneumonia:
- Wheezing cough while breathing
- Joint and muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Dry cough
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Slow progression
Pnemocystis carinii Pneumonia:
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough with white sputum
Symptoms may develop gradually
Treatment for Bronchial Pneumonia:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. The patient may require hospitalization if they have shortness of breath and high fever. If the treatment is given on the outpatient basis, one must be monitored closely to ensure the person is recovering.
Drink more liquids, bed rest and for pain tylenol can be used. These can be used in the mild and uncomplicated cases.If the patient doesn’t appear too sick, antibiotics can be used. General antibiotics such as erythromycin may be used. For viral infections, antibiotics are not given.
Antiviral medications like Ganciclovir, Ribavirin and Amantadine can be used and must be prescribed for those which are detected. The patient must be hospitalized if he is very sick. A respiratory therapist may help in the treatment of bronchial pneumonia.
