Lobar pneumonia

Lobar pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that affects one or more lobes of the lung. It is often caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, and less commonly by other bacteria or viruses. Lobar pneumonia is a serious condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not treated promptly and effectively.

Lobar pneumonia illustrated

CT of lobar pneumonia

Lobar Pneumonia and bronchopneumonia illustrated

Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Lobar pneumonia refers to an acute exudative inflammation of an entire pulmonary lobe, typically caused by a bacterial infection.

Etiology

The most common cause of lobar pneumonia is the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Other bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, as well as some viruses and fungi, can also cause lobar pneumonia, although these are less common.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lobar pneumonia can be severe and may include:

High fever and chills Cough with production of rust-colored or greenish sputum Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing General symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and joint pain or muscle aches

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lobar pneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. Chest x-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan can show consolidation in one or more lobes of the lung. Sputum culture and blood tests can help identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Treatment for lobar pneumonia usually involves antibiotics to treat the underlying bacterial infection. The choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected or confirmed causative organism, local antibiotic resistance patterns, and the patient's overall health and allergies. Supportive care, including rest, hydration, and treatment of symptoms, is also important.

Prognosis

With prompt and appropriate treatment, most individuals with lobar pneumonia recover fully. However, severe or untreated lobar pneumonia can lead to serious complications, including lung abscess, empyema (pus in the pleural space), respiratory failure, and sepsis.

Prevention

Prevention of lobar pneumonia involves vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza, as these are common causes of pneumonia. Good hygiene practices, including hand washing and not smoking, can also reduce the risk of pneumonia.

See Also

• Community-acquired pneumonia
• Pneumococcal vaccination
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Lobar pneumonia Resources
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