Pathophysiology

Pneumonia
Predisposing factors
Precipitating Factors: Age
Etiology: altered state of immunity
exposure to pathogen
Upper respiratory tract infection • streptococcus polluted environment (smoking,
pneumonia noxious gases, etc)

Pathogens invade the respiratory tract/ infect airways

Bronchi
Bronchiole
terminal bronchiole
Spread to the alveoli

Release biochemical mediators of Cell injury Injured respiratory mucosa (goblet cells)
inflammation and the
inflammatory response occurs

Capillary vasodilation WBC activation Increase capillary

permeability secrete large amounts of
Chemotaxis and mucous
Increase phagocytosis of
bloodflow pathogens
Swelling / mucosal edema

Fluid and exudates

Fever Endogenous Crackles and
accumulation
pyrogens Wheezing

Airway Alveoli lose air spaces and solidify

(bronchioles or because the space which air must
terminal bronchioles) occupy
. SOB \ SOB is filled with fluids and exudates
with exudates and
fluids (consolidation)

Dullness during
percussion

Decrease oxygen and carbon dioxide

exchange in
the alveoli
The body compensates
the decrease in oxygen that
reaches the alveoli by increasing
the respiratory rate Ventilation – perfusion
mismatch

Hypoxemia. less oxygen is also

delivered to body
Tachypnea tissues and organs

The heart compensates by

increasing the heart rate

Hypoxia
pale and dusky
skin
Tachycardia

Death