Assessment Organs/System Involved Normal Function
The main function of the lungs is The causative agent or organism gains
(rapid) gas exchange. This is
accomplished by a well-coordinated
interaction of the lungs with the
central nervous system, the
diaphragm and chest wall
musculature, and the circulatory
system.
Air enters through the nose and
mouth and travels down the trachea.
Bronchial tubes branch from the
trachea and carry the air through
smaller and smaller passageways
deep into the lungs. Air reaches at
the end of bronchial tubes and
inflates clusters microscopic air sacs
called alveoli. Oxygen passes through
the extremely thin alveoli walls and
into the tiny blood vessels that
surround them. It is then carried by
the blood to all parts of the body to
be used as fuel. Carbon Dioxide is a
waste created when cells use uses
oxygen. The blood carry this to the
lungs, where it moves to the alveoli.
The lungs are now ready to expel the
carbon dioxide and prepare to draw
fresh air in.
Pathophysiology Analysis
entry into the body through the
respiratory tract by way of inspiration or
aspiration of oral secretions. The
organisms that can reach the lungs
through blood circulation are
staphylococcus and gram negative bacilli.
You can read more on bacterial
pneumonia.
The body's defense mechanism, that is,
pulmonary defense mechanism in case of
lungs comes into action. A cough reflex,
mucocillary transport and pulmonary
macrophages try to protect the body
against the infection. However, in some
people there defense mechanism is either
suppressed or overwhelmed by the
invading agent and leads to development
of infection. You can read more on
mycoplasma pneumonia symptoms.
The invading organism starts to multiply
and release damaging toxins that cause
inflammation and edema of the lung
parenchyma. This action leads to
accumulation of cellular debris and exudes
within the lungs. Soon the airless state of
the lungs is changed to a consolidated
state due to the fluid and exudate filling
up.
The ciliated epithelial cells are damaged in
case of viral pneumonia. The virus reach
the lungs through air borne droplets
inhaled through the mouth and nose. The
virus after gaining entry into the lungs,
begins an invasion of the cell lining of the
airways and alveoli. This leads to cell
death by direct action of the virus or
through a cell controlled self destruction
called apoptosis. With the body's
response to the invasion, there is further
damage to the lungs as the fluid is leaked
into the alveoli. Viral infection of the lungs
damages the lungs and makes them even
more susceptible to bacterial infections.
This complicated the matters even more
in viral pneumonia. You can read more on
viral pneumonia symptoms.

The fungal pneumonia is a rare condition,

and is often seen in individuals with
compromised immune system like AIDS,
etc. The pathophysiology of pneumonia in
case of fungal invasion is very much
similar to bacterial pneumonia. The most
common fungal agents that cause
pneumonia are Histoplasma capsulatum,
Cryptococcus neoformans, Pneumocystis
jiroveci, blastomyces and Coccidioides
immitis.

Pathophysiology of pneumonia caused by

parasites occurs when they travel to the
lungs by gaining entry through skin or
begin swallowed. There is cellular
destruction and immune response that
leads to disruption of oxygen
transportation. The common parasite that
causes pneumonia are Toxoplasma gondii,
Strongyloides stercoralis and Ascariasis.