Question

Patients with pneumonia often experience a coughing fit when they roll from one side to the other because:

a) Pneumonia often occurs in the lung bases, typically on only one side.
b) The secretions in their lungs suddenly disperse and impair breathing.
c) Most cases of pneumonia occur in conjunction with bronchospasm.
d) Movement loosens pulmonary secretions and stimulates coughing.

Answer 1

Pneumonia patients cough when changing positions due to the movement of built-up fluids in the lungs, which stimulates a cough reflex to clear the airways and improve breathing.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with pneumonia often experience a coughing fit when they roll from one side to the other because movement loosens pulmonary secretions and stimulates coughing. This occurs as the shift in body position can cause the fluids that have accumulated in the alveoli due to inflammation to move, thereby triggering a reflex to cough. This reflex serves to clear the airways of the mucus and fluid buildup, which is important for maintaining a clear path for air exchange. Pneumonia causes the alveoli to fill with fluid, hindering proper gas exchange, and can stem from various forms of infections, notably bacterial, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being a common pathogen. Treatments include antibiotics for bacterial infections, and preventive measures, such as vaccines, help control the spread of pneumonia.