Bronchopneumonia is a medical condition that affects the lungs and causes inflammation in the bronchi, the airways leading to the lungs. The word is spelled with the prefix "broncho-" meaning airway and the suffix "-pneumonia" meaning inflammation of the lungs. The spelling follows the phonetic transcription /ˌbrɒŋ.kəʊ.njuːˈməʊ.njə/ which represents the pronunciation of the word. This term is commonly used in medical fields to describe a type of pneumonia that affects both the bronchi and the surrounding tissue of the lungs.
Bronchopneumonia, also referred to as lobular pneumonia or lobopneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that primarily affects the smaller bronchioles and alveoli within the lungs. It is a form of acute inflammation in the lower respiratory tract, characterized by the infection and inflammation of these airway structures.
Typically caused by bacterial or viral pathogens, bronchopneumonia is commonly a secondary infection arising from a pre-existing condition such as a common cold, influenza, or chronic lung disease. Infection occurs when the bacteria or virus enters the lungs and travels down the bronchial tubes, leading to the inflammation of the affected lung tissues.
The symptoms of bronchopneumonia may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, sweating, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. As the infection progresses, there may be a production of thick, yellow or green mucus, and in severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.
Diagnosis of bronchopneumonia is often made through a combination of clinical evaluation, physical examination, and imaging studies such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, antiviral medications, or supportive care to alleviate symptoms and aid in recovery.
It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention in cases of suspected bronchopneumonia to prevent potential complications, such as lung abscesses or septicemia. Preventive measures, including vaccinations and practicing good respiratory hygiene, can also help reduce the risk of infection.
A productive inflammation of the walls of the smaller bronchial tubes combined with areas of atelectasis corresponding to some of the affected bronchi, and usually also with irregular areas of consolidation not necessarily corresponding to the involved bronchial tubes; catarrhal pneumonia, lobular pneumonia, capillary bronchitis, vesicular bronchiolitis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "bronchopneumonia" has its roots in Greek and Latin.
The term is composed of two main parts: "broncho-" and "pneumonia".
1. "Broncho-" derives from the Greek word "bronkhos", which means "windpipe" or "bronchus". It is often associated with the bronchial tubes in the respiratory system.
2. "Pneumonia" has its origin in the Latin word "pneumon", meaning "lungs" or "pulmonary". It is often used to refer to the inflammation or infection of the lung tissue.
Combined, "bronchopneumonia" refers to the inflammation or infection that affects both the bronchial tubes and the lungs.