Bronchopneumonia is the inflammation of the internal structures of the lung, the bronchi and pulmonary alveoli, which causes symptoms such as intense shortness of breath, fever, bluish lips and a feeling of easy fatigue.
Bronchopneumonia may be restricted to internal structures, but it can also affect the lung as a whole, including the pleura, which is the membrane that surrounds the lung. When this happens, symptoms tend to be more intense and the person may need to be admitted to the hospital.
When bronchopneumonia is suspected, it is very important to consult a pulmonologist or general practitioner to identify the cause of the inflammation and initiate the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.
Symptoms of bronchopneumonia
The main symptoms of bronchopneumonia are:
- Fever greater than 38 ºC;
- Difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath;
- Tiredness;
- Muscle weakness;
- Chills and cold sweat;
- Cough with phlegm;
- Increased heart rate;
- Bluish lips and fingertips.
In the case of babies, in addition to fever, bronchopneumonia can have symptoms of lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, easy irritability and noisy and rapid breathing.
Bronchopneumonia in babies is very common, as their immune system is still poorly developed, which facilitates the development of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause this type of infection. As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is important to consult your pediatrician immediately to prevent the disease from worsening.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The symptoms of bronchopneumonia can be very similar to those of the flu and, therefore, it is important that a pulmonologist or general practitioner is consulted to evaluate the symptoms and carry out tests to confirm bronchopneumonia.
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In addition to evaluating symptoms and lung auscultation with a stethoscope, the doctor may order other tests such as chest X-ray, blood tests, computed tomography or bronchoscopy, which is an exam carried out with the aim of evaluating the airways, identifying signs inflammation, for example. See more details about bronchoscopy.
Possible causes
The main causes of bronchopneumonia are infections caused by:
- Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus sp., Streptococcus sp. It is Haemophilus influenzae;
- Viruses, which may be a consequence of flu or COVID-19;
- Fungi.
Furthermore, bronchopneumonia can be a consequence of visceral leishmaniasis, for example, in which the infectious agent is not completely eliminated, remaining in the airways and resulting in bronchopneumonia.
This inflammation can also be a consequence of bronchoaspiration or acute or chronic bronchitis that affects the larynx and trachea.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of bronchopneumonia can last around 14 days and may vary according to the cause of the inflammation, and may be recommended:
1. Use of medications
The use of medications to treat bronchopneumonia is done to alleviate symptoms, and the use of anti-inflammatories and analgesics may be recommended to reduce inflammation and pain and control fever, and antitussives to relieve coughing.
In cases where bronchopneumonia is related to bacteria, it may be necessary to use antibiotic medications, such as ceftriaxone or azithromycin, for example, which should be recommended by the general practitioner or pulmonologist.
2. Oxygen therapy
In some cases, bronchopneumonia can cause a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the lungs and tissues, so oxygen therapy may be indicated, which is a procedure that consists of administering a quantity of oxygen greater than that in the environment with the purpose of promoting oxygenation of all body tissues. Understand how oxygen therapy is performed.
This therapy is indicated in situations where a low level of oxygen in the blood is verified through arterial blood gas analysis, and a low oxygen saturation through pulse oximetry. Low oxygen is considered when it is less than 60 mmHg, and low oxygen saturation is considered when it is less than 90%.
3. Respiratory physiotherapy
Respiratory physiotherapy is recommended by the doctor in cases of bronchopneumonia in which there is difficulty breathing and signs of retention of respiratory secretions, in addition to a weak cough that does not favor the elimination of mucus.
Therefore, this treatment aims to prevent the worsening of bronchopneumonia, contribute to the elimination of respiratory secretions and facilitate the arrival of oxygen to the body’s tissues with the aim of accelerating the person’s recovery process and helping them breathe properly. .
Respiratory physiotherapy must be carried out by a specialized professional, who can recommend exercises that can be performed both at home and in the hospital. See how respiratory physiotherapy is done.
Care during treatment
During treatment for bronchopneumonia, it is important to take some precautions, the main ones being:
- Rest and avoid exertion;
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature for correct recovery;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water;
- Perform regular nebulizations with saline solution or medications;
- Avoid smoking or going to smoky places.
Furthermore, to prevent the transmission of the disease, you should also cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands regularly and avoid going to public and closed places.
