Croupous inflammation is a pathological condition of the lungs, which is characterized by compaction of some parts of the respiratory organs. As a result of this phenomenon, the tissues cease their full functioning and participation in the metabolic processes of gases.
Description
Few people know exactly what lobar pneumonia is. Many mistakenly confuse it with focal pneumonia, but there is one important difference between these pathologies. The latter type of disease, even during the period of active development, appears on the x-ray only in a small area of \u200b\u200bthe organ. But croupous inflammation is characterized by a larger area of damage, which occupies a whole lobe of the lung.
Causes of occurrence
Croupous inflammation refers to inflammation of an infectious nature caused by pathogenic microflora, which is quickly activated while in human organs. Pneumonia of this type develops as a result of the penetration of pathogenic bacteria into the body. As a rule, this happens through contact with carriers of the disease.
The most common causative agent of this pathologyis pneumococcus, which has a toxic effect on the body. In addition, these microbes are quite capable of causing serious damage to lung tissue.
In some situations, lobar inflammation occurs due to the activity of staphylococci and streptococci. They settle in the body for many different reasons, which are often associated with a strong weakening of the protective properties of the immune system.
There are several known ways for pathogenic bacteria to enter the lungs. Pathogenic microbes can enter the body by airborne, lymphogenous and hematogenous ways. Bacteria very quickly become active and destroy protective properties under favorable conditions, among which are:
- intoxication;
- prolonged nervous tension;
- severe hypothermia;
- anemia;
- chest injury;
- pronounced exhaustion and fatigue;
- chronic diseases of the respiratory system.
In addition, the cause of pathology is often a deficiency or excess of vitamins. Experts call this condition beriberi or hypervitaminosis, respectively.
Clinical picture
Croupous pneumonia progresses quite quickly. It manifests itself almost immediately after infection with pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic microorganisms produce toxic substances that gradually poison the body. These compounds easily enter the lung tissues, due to which the permeability of the walls of the organ increases. This phenomenon, in turn,exacerbates the pathological process.
Crupous inflammation should be detected in the first days after infection. Only in this case, the patient will be able to avoid a lot of unpleasant consequences of the active spread of toxic microflora through the respiratory system.
Stages of the disease
The pathology of the lungs of the croupous type is divided into several degrees. Each of them is characterized by certain features. All stages together last no more than 11 days.
- Tide stage. This stage takes only one day - this is precisely its main feature. It is possible to identify the disease at this stage by hyperemia and bacterial edema on the affected lobe of the lung. If at this stage the patient submits edematous fluid for analysis, the results will show the content of a huge number of pathogens. At the stage of the tide, the permeability of the capillary network increases. Due to this, red blood cells eventually penetrate into the lumen of the alveoli. Then the lobe injured by microbes begins to thicken, due to which this condition becomes visible on the picture.
- The stage of red hepatization. This stage develops on the second day after infection. As a result of plethora and edema, diapedesis of blood cells increases. At this stage, not only erythrocytes, but also neutrophils penetrate into the lumen of the alveoli. Fibrin protein production begins between nearby cells. Lymph at the stage of hepatization overflows enlarged vessels. Regional nodes are expanding significantly. The injured part of the lung becomessimilar to the liver due to the fact that it acquires a rich red color.
- The stage of gray hepatization. This stage occurs approximately 5-6 days after infection. By this time, neutrophils and protein intensively accumulate in the lumen of the alveoli. Erythrocytes undergo hemolysis, due to which their number is significantly reduced. As a result, the patient becomes less pronounced hyperemia. The injured share continues to grow, its weight becomes greater. At this stage, fibrinous croupous inflammation develops, affecting the pleura of the lung.
- Permission stage. The last stage develops approximately on the 9-11th day from the onset of the disease. In the lung there is already fully collected fibrous exudate. It first melts and then dissolves. Fluid from the exudate exits the organ as sputum. It is worth noting that the last stage is the result of ongoing treatment.
Croupous and diphtheritic inflammation
The morphological picture of the disease is closely related to other pathologies and possible complications. In the last stages of the disease, the surface of the serous membrane is covered with a light gray film. Given the type of epithelium and the size of the necrosis, this coating can be tightly or loosely associated with nearby tissues. As a result, experts distinguish two types of fibrinous inflammation: diphtheritic and croupous.
The last variety usually occurs on a single-layer epithelium or serous membrane. Necrosis is characterized by shallow depth.
Diphtheritic inflammation is born asusually on stratified epithelium. Accompanied by deep necrosis and tissue damage.
However, lobar fibrinous inflammation in diphtheria develops in parallel with diphtheria. These types of pneumonia are the basis of this disease, as well as intoxication.
Often, fibro-croupous inflammation in diphtheria undergoes organization and replacement with normal connective tissue. Moorings and adhesions often appear on injured serous membranes. Fibrinous inflammation of the lungs can cause their obliteration.
Symptoms of pathology
Croupous pneumonia has a clear clinical picture, knowing which you can easily diagnose the disease before examinations and tests. Initially, the symptomatology manifests itself in the form of increased hyperemia. In addition, the patient may experience:
- palpable weakness;
- great lethargy;
- migraines;
- lack of appetite;
- complete breakdown;
- violation of the full functioning of the digestive system.
The patient is feeling rather ill as the croupy inflammation is severe.
The main features can also be joined:
- excessive sweating;
- joint aches;
- high body temperature;
- chills and fever;
- severe chest pain;
- shortness of breath and hacking cough.
Symptoms of lobar pneumonia tend to come on gradually. The pain in the damaged organ is growing all the time, it is stabbing or cutting. However, it is not equally intense. It should be borne in mind that pain is felt not only in the damaged organ, but also radiates to the abdomen or shoulder. As a rule, the syndrome recedes a few days after infection.
Additional signs of illness
In the first day, the patient is worried about the incessant cough. The fluid accumulated in the lungs is difficult to get out. As a result of a hysterical cough, the patient will immediately begin to feel pain in the chest. With each attack, it will grow. A few days later, when coughing, sputum with blood streaks will begin to stand out. At this stage, the occurrence of herpes on the lips is not excluded.
Among other things, the patient may experience pain in the region of the heart. It is explained by increased pressure due to a large load. In addition, heart rhythm disturbances may occur, which the doctor will hear during the examination.
In the absence of proper treatment, the patient's skin may turn pale. This sign is caused by an acute lack of oxygen. In addition, there is an additional slight bluing of the mucous membranes.
How to treat lobar pneumonia
Therapy methods for such a pathology are determined exclusively by a specialist. After the diagnosis is made, the patient is immediately sent to the hospital. First of all, antibiotics are prescribed, which suppress the spread of pathogenic bacteria in the respiratory system.
Pneumococciare highly sensitive to drugs belonging to the category of penicillins. That is why they are considered the best option for the treatment of severe forms of croupous pneumonia. If microbes become resistant to penicillins, the patient is given other antibiotics. Such a replacement usually occurs within the first three days.
Sulfanilamide is often used in the treatment of lobar pneumonia. They make it possible to maintain the required amount of active substances in the blood. Such medications are contraindicated in patients suffering from nephrolithiasis.
Treatment involves more than just antibiotics. The patient may also be given:
- expectorants;
- antifungal;
- antiherpetic;
- painkillers;
- bronchodilators;
- anti-inflammatory.
Auxiliary therapies
In addition, the patient is recommended therapeutic manipulations. The following treatment methods are considered effective:
- special physical education;
- oxygen therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- special drinking regimen;
- eating a he althy diet;
- regular airing of the room.
Therapeutic exercise is used only after recovery.
Probable Complications
In the absence of proper therapy, lobar inflammation can lead to severe formsdiseases. Some of these complications can lead to death. This pathology can cause such diseases:
- from the lungs - cirrhosis and abscess of the respiratory organ, pleurisy;
- from extrapulmonary - toxic shock, meningitis, inflammation of the kidneys and abdominal cavity, pathological changes in blood vessels.
You can reduce the risk of severe complications with the help of modern medicines.
Prevention of pathology
Timely prevention of lobar pneumonia is considered a very important measure to avoid the recurrence of the disease.
Prevention consists of the following procedures:
- hardening, it is advisable to give preference to wet rubdowns and air baths;
- competent treatment of viral diseases affecting the lungs;
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- prevent hypothermia;
- daily charging;
- creating optimal living conditions and routine;
- timely treatment of congestion in the area of the small circle of blood flow.
