Respiratory System Disorders and Therapy From a New - Louis Bolk ...

In pneumonia, the inflammation:
• Leads to a diminished reaction to outer and inner stimuli other than the infection
• Results in the distinct lung shape disappearing, formative elements are ‘dissolved’ in
the watery exudate
• Has a dissolving characteristic, as for instance also happens in extremis in sepsis.
The integrative forces that normally lead the process to completion are abrogated in
infection. The Inflammatory process is intensified, leading to an aggravation of the
symptoms of inflammation and an increased dissolution.
See also Figure 2.6.
Conclusion
The pathophysiology of an uncomplicated pneumonia eventually completes the full cycle
of the general healing process, a characteristic of self-limiting disease. There is a temporary
diversion in:
1. Diminished reactivity
2. Reduced formative elements
3. Dissolving characteristics in the inflammation phase.
Table 2.2. Pathophysiological characteristics of acute lobar pneumonia
Pathophysiology of Acute Lobar
Reaction to stimuli Directed reactivity to respond to the infection, for
new stimuli reduced
Consolidating tendency Reduced formative elements through the exudate
Dissolving tendency Increased dissolution through the infection
Bolk’s Companions RespiRatoRy system DisoRDeRs anD theRapy - 25