Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Bronchitis[edit | edit source]

Main article: Bronchitis

Bronchitis can be classified as either acute or chronic. It is transient inflammation of the major bronchi and trachea. Acute bronchitis can be defined as acute bacterial or viral infection of the larger airways in healthy patients with no history of recurrent disease.

Pneumonia[edit | edit source]

Main article: Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the small bronchioles and alveoli that can involve the pleura. It occurs in a variety of situations and treatment must vary according to the situation. It is classified as either community or hospital acquired depending on where the patient contracted the infection. It is very life-threatening in the elderly or people with illnesses that affect the immune system (diabetes). Pneumonia is also the leading cause of death in children less than fives years of age. The most common cause of pneumonia is pneumococcal bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae which accounts for two- thirds of bacteremic pneumonias. H.influenzae and M.catarrhalis are of increasing importance in both community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) while the importance of S.pneumoniae is declining. Atypical pathogens such as C.pneumoniae, M.pneumoniae and L.pneumophila, in CAP also appear to be of importance. These account for a dangerous type of lung infection with a mortality rate of around 25%.

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