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Pathophysiology Of Pneumonia Research Paper

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Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pneumonia Fluid in the lungs, typically caused by an infection of the lower respiratory tract, is a common complication of pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia are documented as far back as the time of Hippocrates; who lived 460 B.C. to 370 B.C. In 1875, bacteria, which is now known to cause pneumonia, were found in the lungs of deceased patients, and starting in 1882, work was done to determine the most common bacterial causes; Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Klebsiella pneumonia. In 1918, pneumonia had become the cause of more deaths than tuberculosis; giving pneumonia the description of being the “captain of the men of death.” It was in the year 1944 that the discovery of Mycoplasma pneumonia was made. Pneumonia was first thought to be caused by fungi which is how this bacterium …show more content…

Inflammation results from the movement of white blood cells (neutrophils) into the air spaces coming from the capillaries. The neutrophils phagocytize the invading bacteria which will kill or degrade the bacteria with the neutrophil’s reactive oxygen species, antimicrobial proteins, and enzymes. Additionally, neutrophils release a chromatin meshwork containing antimicrobial proteins that ensnare and destroy extracellular bacteria. This mechanism triggers common signs and symptoms of bacterial and fungal pneumonia such as fever, chills, and fatigue. In addition to the neutrophils and bacteria, fluid fills the air sacs resulting in impaired oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange which leads to oxygen deprivation and carbon dioxide retention. The individual tendency is to breathe more rapidly in an attempt to acquire oxygen and expire carbon dioxide. The production of mucus continues to increase resulting in plugs; further diminishing the effectiveness of gas exchange in the lung. Blood-tinged mucus may also result from red blood cells leaking from the

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