Bronchopneumonia is mostly caused by bacteria, particularly pneumococcus, followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and large intestine bacilli. Viruses such as adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza virus can also be responsible. The onset is usually acute, though it may be slower in newborns or young infants.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Before the onset of the disease, there may be an upper respiratory tract infection. The onset is generally acute, with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
2. Signs include nasal flaring, three depressions sign, cyanosis of the lips, nasolabial folds, and fingertips.
3. Early lung signs are often not obvious, or may only include coarse or slightly diminished breath sounds. Later, medium rales, fine moist rales, or crepitations may be heard.
4. Severe cases often present with symptoms or signs from other systems, such as vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, muffled heart sounds, and tachycardia.
5. Common complications include pulmonary edema or atelectasis, heart failure, respiratory failure, and toxic encephalopathy.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

1. Chest X-ray reveals nonspecific small patchy lung excess infiltrative shadows, predominantly in the middle and inner zones, with a few cases showing coalescence into large infiltrative shadows.
2. Blood tests and bacterial cultures aid in etiological diagnosis. In bacterial pneumonia, the total white blood cell count is mostly elevated, whereas in viral pneumonia, it is often decreased or normal.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

(I) General Treatment

Maintain a certain indoor temperature and humidity, ensure the child gets adequate rest. Guarantee calorie supply and fluid intake.

1. For bacterial infections or mixed bacterial infections, appropriate antibiotics such as penicillin, erythromycin, or cephalosporins can be used.
2. For viral pneumonia, antiviral drugs like ribavirin or double Coptis Rhizome may be selected.

1. Oxygen therapy: Determine the amount and duration of oxygen administration based on the child's degree of hypoxia. Pay attention to dampness transformation of the airway to keep the respiratory tract unobstructed.
2. Antipyretic and sedative measures.
3. Cough-suppressing and asthma-relieving.
4. Treatment of complications: Timely symptomatic management should be provided for children with complications such as respiratory failure, heart failure, or toxic encephalopathy.