What is the pathophysiology of pneumonia?

The pathophysiology of pneumonia primarily involves inflammation and infection of the alveoli, which are the small air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. This condition is typically caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to an inflammatory response in the lung tissue.

When the alveoli become infected, inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, migrate to the affected areas, contributing to the swelling and accumulation of fluid and pus, which can severely impair gas exchange. This process results in symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, reflecting the body's effort to manage the infection and restore normal lung function.

Additionally, this inflammation can cause consolidation of the lung tissue, further diminishing oxygen uptake and leading to the clinical manifestations of pneumonia. Understanding this pathophysiology is crucial for the management and treatment of pneumonia in patients.