The effects and symptoms of pneumonia can be scary enough, but add inflammation of the bronchioles, and your infection has jumped to the next level.
Bronchopneumonia is seen when an upper respiratory tract infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract. Because this potentially life-threatening condition can cause an interruption in your breathing, we will focus on the bronchopneumonia treatment. Is bronchial pneumonia contagious? Read on to find out.
Bronchopneumonia can also fall under the names of bronchial pneumonia and bronchogenic pneumonia. It affects the lungs as well as the bronchioles, which are the air pathways to the lungs. As a more severe form of pneumonia, bronchopneumonia demands immediate treatment.
Bronchial Pneumonia Causes
Bronchopneumonia is caused by bacteria of various strains. Most cases are contracted within a hospital setting, since the immune system is at an all-time low due to other poor health conditions. The more common bacteria are:
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Escherichia coli
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Proteus species
There are several factors that can put you at high risk for contracting such a condition as bronchial pneumonia.
1. Age
Young children under the age of two years and adults over the age of 65 are susceptible to this form of pneumonia. The symptoms and related complications can be more severe than to those outside of these age groups.
2. Lifestyle
Having bad habits such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol use can increase your chances for bronchial pneumonia as the immune system can be compromised with these activities. Following a poor nutrition diet can also lead to infection.
3. Environment
If you work, volunteer, or frequent hospital or nursing home settings, you could be putting your health at risk for contracting bronchial pneumonia.
4. Medical Conditions
Existing health conditions can create an internal environment vulnerable to disease and infection such as bronchopneumonia. These may include chronic lung diseases, heart disease, diabetes, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or an autoimmune disease. Having difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough, or dependence on a ventilator to breath can also increase your chances.
Symptoms of Bronchial Pneumonia
Bronchial pneumonia is much like traditional pneumonia in that it presents symptoms of the flu in the beginning stages. With this bacterial condition, you can expect symptoms of:
- Cough
- Mucus
- Fever
- Chills
- Aches
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Confusion
If bronchopneumonia affects babies and children, you may see varying symptoms of:
- Low blood oxygen levels
- Rapid pulse
- Irritability
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of Bronchopneumonia
For a proper diagnosis, a medical team will use various diagnostic tools. A physical examination and your past medical history will be the prime focus at your doctor’s visit. Your breathing will be checked for any abnormal sounds, including wheezing. You can expect further testing as your symptoms may mimic other lung conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
1. Chest X-ray
An X-ray will uncover bronchial pneumonia existence as patches on the film. It will show in the bottom of both lungs.
2. Complete Blood Count
Known as a CBC, this blood test will detect a high number of white blood cells with the infection.
3. Culture Tests
An examination of a blood or sputum culture taken from the patient can identify the type of bacterial organism.
4. Computerized Tomography Test
A CT scan allows an in-depth look at the lungs.
5. Bronchoscopy
This test looks for infection and disease by taking a sample of the tissue within the lung. It also allows the doctor to take a closer look at the airways.
6. Pulse Oximetry
Measuring the oxygen level in the bloodstream helps to diagnose the severity of the bronchopneumonia.
Bronchopneumonia Treatment
Most cases of bronchial pneumonia require medical and home treatment. Antibiotics are used to fight bacterial infections. The few cases of viral infections usually heal on their own with rest. Severe viral infections may need antiviral medication to reduce symptoms and increase healing time.
Hospitalization is required for low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream and for those experiencing:
- Chest pain
- Low blood pressure
- Breathing difficulty
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
Bronchial pneumonia treatment for young children differs from the above described options, as their immune systems may not be fully developed or strong enough to fight the infection. Many cases at these ages will be treated in the hospital with intravenous antibiotics, oxygen therapy, respiratory therapy, and mostly likely an inhaler to maintain open airways.
Is Bronchial Pneumonia Contagious?
Yes and no. The bronchial pneumonia disease itself is not contagious, but the bacterial and viral microbes are. By coming into contact with these microorganisms, you may contract a disease but it will not be bronchopneumonia—not in this manner.
You can take measures to prevent getting an infection that may develop into bronchial pneumonia.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin and mineral-enriched foods.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get adequate sleep each night.
- Avoid using tobacco products.
- Limit, or avoid, alcoholic drinks.
- Avoid contact with people who are showing signs of illness.
Bronchial pneumonia can be a serious condition because it affects the lungs and the bronchial tubes. This is a more severe form of pneumonia that presents similar symptoms but with a higher intensity and broader range. As this infection settles into the bottom portion of the lungs, you can expect symptoms that may require hospitalization, if not complete bedrest. Take precautions to maintain a healthy immune system to prevent contracting respiratory infections that can develop into bronchopneumonia.
Also Read:
- Uncontrollable Cough: 7 Causes and Home Remedies
- Bronchospasm Treatment: How to Cure Bronchospasm Naturally
- What Causes Crackles in the Lungs?
- Is Bronchitis Contagious? How Long Is Bronchitis Contagious For?
Sources:
‘Bronchopneumonia: Symptoms, Risk Factors, And Treatment,” Healthline; http://www.healthline.com/health/bronchopneumonia#overview1, last accessed July 5, 2017.