Focal pneumonia

There is a form of pneumonia in which the lung damage is represented by a small area or areas (foci). This form of pneumonia is called Focal Pneumonia or Bronchopneumonia.

Focal pneumonia can be of both bacterial and viral origin, and can also develop as a result of aspiration of saliva or food, due to poisoning from inhalation of chemical vapors, chest trauma with internal lung damage, for example, from a blow to the chest with hemorrhage into the lung tissue.

Very often, focal pneumonia occurs as a result of inflammatory (viral or bacterial source) processes in the bronchi, which is where its second name “Bronchopneumonia” comes from.

Among viruses, Focal pneumonia can be caused by Rhinoviruses, Adenoviruses, Influenza viruses, Herpes viruses and other types of viruses. Bacterial infections caused by staphylococci, pneumococci and other bacteria can also lead to the development of Focal pneumonia.

Signs of Focal Pneumonia vary from a mild degree of malaise with symptoms of a common respiratory disease with cough, fever, fever, they can be similar to acute or chronic Bronchitis, to moderate severity of the disease. An accurate diagnosis of "Focal Pneumonia" is established only by X-ray examination of the lungs. In addition to X-ray, a blood test for ESR and Leukocytes is examined.

Treatment of focal pneumonia is carried out with broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, regardless of the origin (viral or bacterial). In this way, the development of bacterial complications in case of viral origin of focal pneumonia is prevented in advance. Supportive therapy is used in the form of oxygen inhalations, vasodilators. To relieve and eliminate cough, phlegm thinning and expectorants, bronchodilators are prescribed. Physiotherapeutic methods are used: cupping, mustard plasters. It is mandatory to follow a diet with highly vitamins fortified foods.

Prevention of focal pneumonia comes down to the prevention of common viral and bacterial infections, supporting the immune system and regular breathing exercises to eliminate congestion in the lungs.