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.