Bronchial Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Bronchial pneumonia is inflammation in the deeper parts of the lungs, affecting the bronchi and the air sacs (alveoli). It can cause severe shortness of breath, fever, bluish lips, and feeling easily tired.

It often starts in the inner areas of the lungs and may spread to larger sections. If it reaches the membrane that lines the lungs, symptoms tend to feel more intense.

Treatment is guided by a pulmonologist or a primary care provider, who will look for the underlying cause of the infection. Depending on what’s causing it, treatment may include antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines.

Common symptoms

The main symptoms of bronchial pneumonia are:

• Fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C);

• Difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath;

• Fatigue;

• Muscle weakness;

• Chills and cold sweats;

• Cough with phlegm;

• Increased heart rate;

• Bluish lips and fingertips.

In babies, bronchial pneumonia may also cause poor appetite, trouble sleeping, easy irritability, and noisy, fast breathing, and it is essential to consult a pediatrician.

Pneumonia vs bronchial pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that usually affects a larger area, such as an entire lobe of the lung.

Bronchial pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that starts in the bronchi and spreads in small patches, affecting different parts of the lungs in an irregular pattern.

Is bronchial pneumonia serious?

Bronchial pneumonia can be serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young children, older adults, and people with a weak immune system are among the groups at higher risk for pneumonia and related complications.

In severe cases, bronchial pneumonia can limit the amount of oxygen reaching the body or allow the infection to spread. It may also cause pus to collect around the lung, sometimes requiring intensive care.

Bronchial pneumonia in children

Bronchial pneumonia mainly affects young children and can range from mild to severe, and it is more dangerous in children under 2 years old or those with a weakened immune system. That’s why quick attention and the right treatment are important to help prevent complications.

Confirming a diagnosis

A pulmonologist or primary care provider can diagnose bronchial pneumonia by examining you, listening to your lungs with a stethoscope, and assessing your symptoms.

The provider may also order tests such as a chest X-ray, blood tests, a CT scan, or a bronchoscopy, which allows the airways to be examined and signs of inflammation to be identified.

Based on the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), tests like chest imaging, blood tests, and pulse oximetry are commonly used to help diagnose pneumonia and assess oxygen levels.

Possible causes

The main causes of bronchial pneumonia are infections caused by:

• Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae;

• Viruses, such as H1N1 (associated with influenza) or SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19);

• Fungi.

In addition, bronchial pneumonia may develop as a complication of visceral leishmaniasis when the infectious agent is not fully eliminated, persists in the airways, and contributes to further illness.

This inflammation can also occur after material is aspirated into the airways or as a result of acute or chronic bronchitis involving the larynx and trachea.

Treatment options

Treatment for bronchial pneumonia may last about 14 days and can vary depending on what’s causing the inflammation. The following may be recommended:

1. Medications

Medications for bronchial pneumonia are used to help relieve symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, and pain relievers/fever reducers, such as acetaminophen, may be recommended to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and control fever.

If bronchial pneumonia is caused by bacteria, antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or azithromycin may be required. These medications should only be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

2. Oxygen therapy

In certain situations, oxygen therapy may be recommended to increase the amount of oxygen in the body and help maintain healthy oxygen levels.

This therapy is recommended when an arterial blood gas test shows oxygen in the blood below 60 mmHg or when pulse oximetry shows an oxygen saturation below 90%.

3. Respiratory therapy

Respiratory therapy is done by a specialized physical therapist, who may recommend exercises that can be done at home or in the hospital.

This treatment aims to help clear respiratory secretions and make it easier for oxygen to reach body tissues, supporting better breathing and recovery.

Care measures

During treatment for bronchial pneumonia, it is important to take certain precautions, including:

• Resting and avoiding strenuous activity;

• Avoiding sudden temperature changes to support recovery;

• Drinking at least 2 liters of water per day;

• Using a nebulizer regularly with saline solution or medications, as instructed;

• Avoiding smoking or being in places with smoke.

In addition, to help prevent spreading the illness, cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands regularly, and avoid crowded indoor public places.