Pediatric Pneumonia pathophysiology

1. Modifiable Factors:
• Non exclusive breastfeeding
• Incomplete basic
immunizations
• Indoor air pollution
• Malnutrition
Non-modifiable Factors:
• Asthma
• COPD
• Heart disease
• History of low birth weight
PEDIATRIC PNEUMONIA
Local inflammatory response: neutrophils recruited to site of
infection by epithelial cytokine release
Systemic inflammatory response:
Cytokine release (TNF, IL-1)
Irritation of contiguous
structures and/or referred pain
Accumulation of plasma exudate, cell debris,
serous fluid, bacteria, fibrin
↑ Respiratory drive Disruption of
hypothalamic
thermoregulation
Irritation of
airways and
failure of ciliary
clearance to
keep up with fluid
buildup
Acute abdominal
pain
Fluid buildup in
spaces
between alveoli
Fluid buildup in
alveoli
↓ Efficiency of
gas exchange
Tachypnea Fever / Chills
Hypoxemia
Chest x-ray:
Lobar
consolidation
Chest x-ray:
Interstitial
opacity
Crackles
↓ breath sounds
Cough
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF PEDIATRIC
PNEUMONIA
LEGEND: Risk Factors Disease Disease Process Laboratory Findings Signs and Symptoms