Pathophysiology of Pneumonia
Pathophysiology
- Inflammatory response
- Attraction of neutrophils
- Release of inflammatory mediators
- Accumulation of fibrinous exudates, red blood cells, and bacteria
- As a result, the inflammatory process attracts more neutrophils, edema of the airways occurs, and fluid leaks from the capillaries and tissues into alveoli
- Alveoli fill with fluid and debris (consolidation)
- Increased production of mucus (airway obstruction)
- Normal O2 transport is affected, leading to clinical manifestations of hypoxia (e.g., tachypnea, dyspnea, tachycardia)
- Resolution of infection
- Macrophages in alveoli ingest and remove debris
- Normal lung tissue restored
- Gas exchange returns to normal