Bronchopneumonia is a type of pneumonia that affects the bronchi and surrounding lung tissue. It is also known as lobular pneumonia. In bronchopneumonia, the smaller airways in the lungs, called bronchioles, become inflamed.

This inflammation can cause the small air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, to fill with fluid, making it difficult to breathe.

Bronchopneumonia can affect both children and adults. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of bronchopneumonia in kids and adults, as well as the causes, risk factors, and treatments.

Symptoms of Bronchopneumonia in Kids

Children with bronchopneumonia may experience symptoms such as:.

Cough, which may produce phlegm
Difficulty breathing, which may be worse with exertion
Fever
Fatigue or irritability
Loss of appetite
Chest pain
Rapid breathing
Wheezing

Young children may not be able to express their symptoms clearly, so it is important to look for signs of respiratory distress, such as rapid breathing or flaring nostrils.

If your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

Symptoms of Bronchopneumonia in Adults

Adults with bronchopneumonia may experience symptoms such as:.

Cough, which may produce phlegm
Difficulty breathing, which may be worse with exertion
Fever
Chest pain
Fatigue or weakness
Muscle aches
Nausea or vomiting

In severe cases, bronchopneumonia can lead to confusion, difficulty staying awake, or low blood pressure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bronchopneumonia is most commonly caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. However, it can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or other types of bacteria.

Some factors that may increase your risk of developing bronchopneumonia include:.

Being over the age of 65
Having a weakened immune system
Smoking
Having a chronic lung condition, such as asthma or COPD
Having a medical condition that affects your ability to swallow, such as Parkinson’s disease or a stroke
Having a medical condition that affects your ability to clear mucus from your lungs, such as cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis
Being exposed to certain environmental pollutants, such as dust or fumes

Treatments

The treatment for bronchopneumonia will depend on the underlying cause of the infection. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the cause is viral, antiviral medications may be used.

Other treatments for bronchopneumonia may include:.

Over-the-counter cough medications, to help relieve cough and congestion
Fever-reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Oxygen therapy, if you are having difficulty breathing
Intravenous fluids, if you are dehydrated
In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary

If you have bronchopneumonia, it is important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. You should also avoid smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants, as these can further irritate your lungs.

Conclusion

Bronchopneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that can affect both children and adults. If you or your child has symptoms of bronchopneumonia, it is important to seek medical attention.

With prompt treatment, most people are able to recover fully from bronchopneumonia.