Chronic Pneumonia

Chronic pneumonia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Chronic pneumonia is a chronic inflammation of the lungs that occurs as a result of a smoldering infection in the affected lung tissue. The causative agent of infection penetrates through the lymphatic vessels from the affected bronchi and lobules of the lungs into their connective tissue base, as well as into the connective tissue of the walls of blood vessels. Under the influence of inflammation, the delicate elastic fibers of the connective tissue are replaced by thick and rough ones; the cords they form compress the pulmonary vesicles, small vessels and bronchi: pneumosclerosis (hardening of the lungs) develops.

Chronic pneumonia can last for years or decades, maintaining a smoldering infection in the affected lung tissue. Periodically, under certain circumstances, such as hypothermia, mental shock or overwork, it can flare up, and the course of pneumonia worsens.

The primary sources of infection are untreated focal pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. An important role in the progression of the disease is played by the occurrence of allergies to microorganisms and decay products of the patient’s own tissues.

Symptoms of chronic pneumonia include a cough, sometimes dry, often with the production of not very abundant, more or less thick sputum. Shortness of breath during this period is associated with compression of the pulmonary lobules and bronchi by edematous inflamed tissues and a decrease in the respiratory surface of the pulmonary vesicles; it occurs under fairly significant physical stress. As the disease progresses, cough and shortness of breath intensify, as some of the pulmonary vesicles die, and the bronchi are compressed by strands of connective tissue.

In addition to cough and shortness of breath, chronic pneumonia may be accompanied by fever, increased cough and shortness of breath during exacerbations, as well as cyanosis in the later stages of the disease.

Diagnosis of chronic pneumonia is based on an analysis of symptoms and the results of an X-ray examination of the lungs.

Treatment of chronic pneumonia is aimed at preventing its progression and improving the patient’s quality of life. During periods of relative well-being, drug therapy should be minimal; in many cases it is not needed at all. If necessary, antibiotics are used to fight infection, as well as mucolytic agents to improve sputum discharge. Physiotherapy treatments such as inhalations, chest massage and exercise therapy can help improve breathing and reduce coughing.

In advanced stages of the disease, oxygen therapy may be required. In some cases, chronic pneumonia may be complicated by pulmonary hypertension, which causes increased pressure in the pulmonary artery, requiring additional treatment.

Prevention of chronic pneumonia includes timely and complete treatment of focal pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections, as well as compliance with measures to prevent influenza and other respiratory infections. It is also important to avoid hypothermia, eliminate dust and other air irritants, and lead a healthy lifestyle.