Final answer:
Patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis are prone to pulmonary illnesses like pneumonia, with CF patients having a higher risk for Pseudomonas pneumonia. Diagnostic tests include high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and treatment requires targeted antibiotic therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis (CF) are more vulnerable to pulmonary infections such as pneumonia. In the case of individuals with CF, they are particularly susceptible to Pseudomonas pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is due to the thick, dry mucus characteristic of CF, which impairs lung defenses. Asthmatic patients, on the other hand, can experience inflammation of the alveoli leading to conditions like pneumonia, especially when their asthma is poorly controlled or during flare-ups caused by environmental triggers.
A crucial test to identify these diseases is high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). HRCT can provide detailed images of the lungs and is often used in conjunction with other assessments such as pulmonary function tests and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to establish a definitive diagnosis. Properly managing these chronic conditions with adequate therapy, including antibiotics for bacterial infections, is essential to prevent serious complications.
Pseudomonas pneumonia requires targeted and often aggressive antibiotic therapy due to the antibiotic-resistant nature of P. aeruginosa. It is especially important for medical professionals to understand the condition of the patient and the nature of the bacteria involved to provide effective treatment plans.