BRONCHOPNEUMONIA

Bronchopneumonia is an illness of lung which is caused by different organism like bacteria, viruses, and fungi and characterized by acute inflammation of the walls of the bronchioles. It is also known as pneumonia. It is common in women and causes to the 6% deaths. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae both are the common bacterium which causes bronchopneumonia in the adults and children.

ETIOLOGY

Bronchopneumonia is common in hospitalized patients. Bronchopneumonia may occur as a complication of some disease. e.g. In children- Diphtheria, Measles, Whooping Cough In adults- Influenza, Typhoid and Paratyphoid fever.

It is often seen in two extremes of life (in infants and old age) Most bronchopneumonia cases are caused by organisms aspirated from the mouth.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Fever: Any body temperature that goes above 37C or 98.6F is considered fever already. In bronchopneumonia, fever may be a symptom for having the disease especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as colds, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Cough: Coughing is a natural reaction of the body to the presence of certain elements that may irritate the throat. Moreover, coughing is very important to keep the throat and airway clean and clear, thus making breathing easy.

However, if coughing becomes persistent and especially if it is accompanied by mucus, then it is a sign of something more serious than ordinary coughing. A person with bronchopneumonia experiences frequent and excessive coughing, sometimes accompanied by mucus.

Chest pain: Any form of chest pain should be a cause for concern for those affected by bronchopneumonia. Chest pain is frequent and associated with excessive coughing and difficulty in breathing. A person with bronchopneumonia easily becomes fatigued and experiences difficulty in breathing especially after doing some strenuous exercise or after playing. A person with bronchopneumonia not only experiences difficulty in breathing but also feels that there is also the sensation of not getting enough air. As a result, the person gasps for air frequently.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

Antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor should be taken regularly as advised. Supportive treatment includes hydration, antipyretics, antihistamines, or nasal decongestants. Bed rest is recommended until infection shows signs of clearing. Oxygen therapy is given for hypoxemia Respiratory support includes endotracheal intubation, high respiratory oxygen concentrations, and mechanical ventilation. For groups at high risk for community-acquired pneumonia, pneumococcal vaccination is advised. Increased fluid intake to thin viscous and tenacious secretions

NURSING MANAGEMENT

Assess for fever, chills night sweats, pleuritic-type pain, fatigue, tachypnea, use of accessory muscles, bradycardia or relative bradycardia, coughing, and purulent sputum, and auscultate breath sounds for consolidation Note changes in temperature, pulse; amount , odor, and color of secretions; and breath sounds Frequency and severity of cough Encourage bronchial hygiene, such as increased fluid intake and directed coughing to remove secretions. Put patient into moderate high back rest for lung expansion and clearing, and to cough effectively and prevent retention of mucopurulent sputum.

HEALTH TEACHINGS

Instruct the SO to have patient a oxygen therapy for continuous normal breathing, and or breathing exercise. Instruct the SO to keep the patient away in open place such as in road and dusty place, to prevent inhalation of airborne microorganisms. Instruct the SO to maintain the patient proper diet that she can tolerate, such as fruits, to promote wellness. Advice the SO to monitor patients fluid intake or adequate hydration, to help her body re-hydrate to prevent fluid imbalance. Instruct SO to assist patient in performing self-hygiene activities to help her maintain her activities of daily living.