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For most infections, the immune response of the body is enough to control and apprehend the infection within a couple days, but if the tissue and the cells can't fight off the infection, the creation of pus will begin to form in the lungs which then hardens into lung abscess or suppurative pneumonitis. [6]
The diagnosis requires consistent symptoms with two additional signs: [citation needed] Chest X-ray or CT scan showing evidence of right middle lobe (or left lingular lobe) lung infection; Sputum culture or bronchoalveolar lavage culture demonstrating the infection is caused by MAC; Disseminated MAC is most readily diagnosed by one positive ...
Computed tomography (CT) may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Often the findings are typical enough to allow the doctor to make a diagnosis without ordering additional tests. [19] To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may perform a lung biopsy using a bronchoscope. Many times, a larger specimen is needed and must be removed surgically.
Diagnosis is carried out in steps. Patient history is obtained, including the symptoms and their duration, as well as exposure to any risk factors of the disease. A chest X-ray may be performed to check for signs of inflammation [5] and a complete blood count will also be obtained.
Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. [3] [14] Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. [15] The severity of the condition is variable. [15]
People affected by this type of lung inflammation (pneumonitis) are commonly exposed to the antigens by their occupations, hobbies, the environment and animals. [ 4 ] [ 3 ] The inhaled antigens produce a hypersensitivity immune reaction causing inflammation of the airspaces ( alveoli ) and small airways ( bronchioles ) within the lung . [ 4 ]
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both of the lungs. The pulmonary alveoli fill with fluid or pus making it difficult to breathe. [1] Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. [1] Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, while in adults bacteria are a more common cause. [2]
The differential diagnosis includes other types of lung disease that cause similar symptoms and show similar abnormalities on chest radiographs. Some of these diseases cause fibrosis, scarring or honeycomb change. The most common considerations include: chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis; non-specific interstitial pneumonia; sarcoidosis