Question

Select one diagnosis from the following list and provide an in depth presentation on the pathophysiology of the diagnosis. Pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, UTI, Bronchitis, Cellulitis, Pharyngitis

Answer 1

Pneumonia:

- Lungs are the organs more susceptible for infection as they interact with the atmospheric air. Inhaling air contains numerous pathogens or toxic agents that causes diseases. Pneumonia is a lung infection that affects lung alveoli (airs sacs) and the common causative organisms includes bacteria, viruses or fungi. It is a communicable disease transmitted from one individual to other through airborne microbes. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Hemophilus influenza are the most common pathogens causing community acquired pneumonia. Staphylococcus aureus and klebsiella pneumonia,pseudomonas aeruginosa are most common organisms causing Hospital acquired pneumonia.

Pathophysiology:

- Inhalation of microorganisms from the air into the air droplets reaches the alveoli and thus invading the respiratory immune system.

- After immune responses towards the antigen pulmonary inflammatory reactions occurs (neutrophils released from cytokines).

- It results in alveolar edema and formation of exudates.

- Accumulation of the exudates,cell debris,bacteria and fibrin irritates the airways and the ciliary clearance failure results in building up of inflammatory mediators.

- Fluid buildup within the alveoli and interstitial spaces and alveoli. It contributes to decreased efficiency of the alveoli in gas exchange results in hypoxemia.