Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

Lower respiratory tract infection Microchapters

Home

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Lower respiratory tract infection from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

CDC on Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology in the news

Blogs on Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

Directions to Hospitals Treating Lower respiratory tract infection

Risk calculators and risk factors for Lower respiratory tract infection pathophysiology

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

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

## 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%.

## References

[edit | edit source]

Template:WikiDoc Sources