The Lung

The Lung (Pneumonia)

An infection of the lung is called pneumonia, in which inflammation can cause fluid buildup within a segment of the lung tissue, decreasing its ability to transfer oxygen from air to the bloodstream.

Pneumonia presents with the typical symptoms of an infection:

• fever


• chills


• malaise

There may also be:

• cough,


• shortness of breath, and


• sputum production (coughing up mucus).
  

The chest pain is pleuritic, hurting when taking a deep breath.

Physical examination may find the patient to have abnormal vital signs consistent with an infection. The PR and RR may be elevated. A fever may be present. Listening to the chest may reveal decreased air entry in the area of the infection associated with crackles and occasionally wheezing because of inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes.

A chest x-ray helps make the diagnosis, though the x-ray image sometimes lags behind the clinical findings by a day or two. Blood tests may be used to assess the severity of illness and may include a white blood cell count (markedly elevated or abnormally low counts may indicate more severe illness) and an arterial blood gas level to assess lung function.

Pneumonia may be caused by a virus or bacteria. The latter is treated with antibiotics, either by mouth or in the hospital by intravenous infusion. The general health and past medical history of the patient may guide the decision as to whether inpatient or outpatient therapy is most appropriate. For more, please read the Pneumonia article.

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