Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia characterized by an inflammation of the lung

generally associated with, and following a bout with bronchitis. This is really a specific type of
pneumonia that is localized in the bronchioles and surrounding alveoli. This article provides a
general overview of this condition, including symptoms and treatment options for those who have
been diagnosed with bronchopneumonia.

Unlike lobar pneumonia, in which an entire section or subdivision of the lung may be inflamed,
bronchopneumonia tends to appear in patches in and around the small airways and passages. 

Outward clinical symptoms will be similar to those of lobar pneumonia, however, and can include
fever, coughing, chest pain, chest congestion, chills, difficulty with breathing and blood-streaked
mucus that is coughed up. Bronchopneumonia is more common in elderly people, and in association
with other viral respiratory illnesses (bronchitis), and as a complication of those who have asthma. 

Pneumonia, including bronchopneumonia is a fairly common illness and it affects millions of people
annually in the United States. The severity of the illness will depend on the type of bacteria or
infection causing the illness, as well as the overall health of the person who has bronchopneumonia. 

In order to diagnosis this illness, a doctor may take a chest X-ray, may test a sample of the sputum,
may do a CBC to get a count of the white blood cells in the blood, may take a CAT scan, and/or may
take a pleural fluid culture of the fluid surrounding the lungs. Upon diagnosis, most people will be
treated at home with antibiotics. If the patient is suffering from dehydration or has a severe case of
bronchopneumonia, he or she may be treated in the hospital where the illness can be more closely
monitored. With appropriate treatment, most people recover fully within a couple weeks. Very infirm
or elderly people who do not get appropriate treatment can die from bronchopneumonia. 

There are some vaccines available that may help prevent the bacteria and illnesses that may cause
bronchopneumonia. A Pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax, Prevnar) prevents Streptococcus
pneumoniae; theflu vaccine prevents pneumonia and other viruses caused by the influenza viruses;
and the Hib vaccine prevents pneumonia in children from Haemophilus influenzae type b.