Definition

Acute inflammation of the walls of the smaller bronchial tubes, with irregular areas of consolidation due to spread of the inflammation into the peribronchiolar alveoli and the alveolar ducts of the lungs. Also called bronchial pneumonia.

Explanation

an acute inflammation of the lungs and bronchioles, characterized by chills, fever, high pulse and respiratory rates, bronchial breathing, cough with purulent bloody sputum, severe chest pain, and abdominal distension. The disease is usually a result of the spread of infection from the upper to the lower respiratory tract, 

Causes

most common caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staphylococcus pyogenes, or Streptococcus pneumoniae. Atypical forms of bronchopneumonia may occur in viral and rickettsial infections. The most common cause in infancy is the respiratory syncytial virus

Clinical Findings

Bronchopneumonia may lead to pleural effusion, empyema, lung abscess, peripheral thrombophlebitis, respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, and jaundice

Treatment

Treatment includes administration of an antibiotic, oxygen therapy, supportive measures to keep the bronchi clear of secretions, and relief of pleural pain.

bronchopneumonia. (n.d.) Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Health Consumers. (2007). Retrieved October 17 2012 from http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Bronchopneumonia