Pneumonia

Chronic bronchitis is characterized by expectoration for a period of more than three months, in more than two consecutive years. Chronic irritation caused by smoking promotes hyperplasia of mucus glands and increases the production of mucus. Central and peripheral airways are involved in the pathophysiology of the disease and it includes inflammation, oxidative stress, inhibited repair processes, and an imbalance of proteinases/anti- proteinases. This article will prepare you perfectly well for your next exam!

Its high morbidity and mortality make pneumonia one of the major infectious diseases worldwide. Learn about the pathogenic causes as well as the individual types of pneumonia, in order to be able to reliably differentiate and treat it in clinical practice.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) include a group of illnesses that can be mild to life-threatening where the upper respiratory tract is the main affected part. The infecting organism can affect the sinuses, the nasal passages, the pharynx or the larynx. Several diseases can be put under the umbrella of URIs which include rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, epiglottitis, laryngitis and tracheitis.

Community-acquired pneumonia in children is a common condition that can be caused by viral or bacterial organisms. The most common bacterial organisms include streptococcus pneumoniae, mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumoniae. Patients usually present with cough and tachypnea, which might be associated with fever, especially in bacterial cases. The main diagnostic tool is a chest X-ray. Empirical antibiotic treatment is usually sufficient in the majority of the cases. The choice of antibiotics is based on the child’s age, which has an impact on the most likely causative organism.

Pertussis is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Patients present with a paroxysmal whooping cough, that is persistent for two weeks or more. Polymerase chain reaction for detection of the organism's DNA or culture and sensitivity testing are indicated for the confirmation of the diagnosis. Serologic testing is also helpful, especially in patients who present late to the health-care provider but its implementation in clinical practice is still underdevelopment. Antibiotic therapy, with azithromycin, is the main treatment for pertussis.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in adults and children. Up to 40% of the cases of community-acquired pneumonia are caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae. The diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is based on the clinical manifestations, radiographic findings, and serology testing. Because of the good response to macrolides and the favorable natural history of the infection, advanced polymerase chain reaction testing for the confirmation of the disease is rarely needed.