Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a term often used as a synonym for pneumonia but can also be applied to other types of infection including lung abscess and acute bronchitis. Symptoms include shortness of breath , weakness, fever , coughing and fatigue. [ 3 ]
The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes, bronchioles, and the lungs. [6] Lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) are generally more severe than upper respiratory infections. LRIs are the leading cause of death among all infectious diseases. [7] The two most common LRIs are bronchitis and pneumonia. [8]
Necrotizing pneumonia (NP), also known as cavitary pneumonia or cavitatory necrosis, is a rare but severe complication of lung parenchymal infection. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] In necrotizing pneumonia, there is a substantial liquefaction following death of the lung tissue, which may lead to gangrene formation in the lung.
It is the most common bacterial pneumonia found in adults, the most common type of community-acquired pneumonia, and one of the common types of pneumococcal infection. The estimated number of Americans with pneumococcal pneumonia is 900,000 annually, with almost 400,000 cases hospitalized and fatalities accounting for 5-7% of these cases. [2]
Pneumonitis describes general inflammation of lung tissue. [1] [2] Possible causative agents include radiation therapy of the chest, [3] exposure to medications used during chemo-therapy, the inhalation of debris (e.g., animal dander), aspiration, herbicides or fluorocarbons and some systemic diseases.
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
Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is an uncommon, acute-onset form of eosinophilic lung disease which varies in severity. Though poorly understood, the pathogenesis of AEP likely varies depending on the underlying cause which may include smoking, inhalation exposure, medication, and infection. [ 1 ]
Diagnosis of pneumonia is made clinically, rather than on the basis of a particular test. [13] Evaluation begins with a physical examination by a health provider, which may reveal fever, an increased respiratory rate , low blood pressure (hypotension), a fast heart rate (tachycardia) and changes in the amount of oxygen in the blood.