PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Precipitating factor: Predisposing factor:

Inflammatory
reaction

Produce exudate

Occlusion of the
bronchi or alveoli

The invading microorganism causes symptoms, in part, by provoking an overly exuberant

immune response in the lungs. The small blood vessels in the lungs (capillaries) become leaky,
and protein-rich fluid seeps into the alveoli. This results in a less functional area for oxygen-
carbon dioxide exchange. The patient becomes relatively oxygen deprived, while retaining
potentially damaging carbon dioxide. The patient breathes faster and faster, in an effort to bring
in more oxygen and blow off more carbon dioxide.

Mucus production is increased, and the leaky capillaries may tinge the mucus with blood.
Mucus plugs actually further decrease the efficiency of gas exchange in the lung. The alveoli fill
further with fluid and debris from the large number of white blood cells being produced to fight
the infection.

Consolidation, a feature of bacterial pneumonias, occurs when the alveoli, which are
normally hollow air spaces within the lung, instead become solid, due to quantities of fluid and
debris.

Viral pneumonias, and mycoplasma pneumonias, do not result in consolidation. These

types of pneumonia primarily infect the walls of the alveoli and the parenchyma of the lung.