PNEUMONIA

• An acute inflammation of lungs.

Etiology:
• Aspiration of oropharyngeal contents- (while lying
supine, MV, swallowing dysfunctions)
• Inhalation of airborne infections
• Hematogenous (infection via circulation)
• Direct extension (e.g., pathogen enters chest via
trauma or chest tube)
Classification based on:
1. Pathology
• Alveolar – often bacterial
• Lobar pneumonia – localized to lobe of lung,
usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Bronchopneumonia – mainly bronchi and alveoli
involved, more dispersed, caused by
Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, &
Haemophilus influenzae
• Interstitial – often viral or mycoplasma
2. Etiology
• For example, streptococcal pneumonia is named
after the causative organism
3. Origin of pathogen
• Community-acquired pneumonia
 • Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) pneumonia
• Aspiration
• Opportunistic
4. Presentation
• Typical – bacterial, community-acquired, sudden
onset of symptoms
• Atypical – often viral or mycoplasma etiology,
hospital-acquired, less acute symptoms, no
pleuritic chest pain
Clinical presentation:
• Fever
• Chills
• Pleuritic pain
• Headache
• General fatigue
• Weight loss
• Generalized aches & pains
• Cough with/without sputum/blood
• Patchy or lobar opacity on chest x-ray
Medical interventions:
• Antimicrobial
• Supportive measures (O2 therapy, IV fluids,
nutritional support)
 • Mechanical ventilation in severe cases
PT Management:
• Interventions to improve poor gas exchange
• Minimize effects of immobility
• ACTs for retained secretions
• Suprahyoid muscle strengthening exercise program
for swallowing difficulty