Post-obstructive pneumonia is an infection in the lung resulting from a blockage in one of the airways.
The infection happens when mucus and fluids in the lung become trapped behind the blockage.
Nearly all cases of post-obstructive pneumonia are brought on by lung cancer, but a small percentage are not.
FatCamera / Getty Images
The lungs normally have a thin layer of mucus lining the airways.
This mucus can trap anything that shouldnt be in the lungs, such as dust or bacteria.
In post-obstructive pneumonia, one of these airways becomes blocked.
This can happen at any point along their path.
When the airways become blocked, the mucus normally lining them becomes trapped.
This mucus contains bacteria normally found in the mouth and airway tracts.
It is possible for these bacteria to grow after becoming trapped in the airway.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of post-obstructive pneumonia begins with a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider will assess your condition to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Based on the symptoms and examination alone, your healthcare provider may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
In patients with post-obstructive pneumonia, a single short course of antibiotics will not fully treat the infection.
If symptoms persist, you will need to return for a follow-up visit to your healthcare provider.
The scope is passed down into the smaller airways of the lungs to look for blockages or abnormalities.
These procedures can include surgery, radiation, laser therapy, or stent placement.
Prognosis
Post-obstructive pneumonia is a serious problem and can be life-threatening.
Summary
Post-obstructive pneumonia is a key in of pneumonia sparked by a blockage in the airways.
It is almost always associated with lung cancer.
Post-obstructive pneumonia may be treated with surgery, radiation, laser bronchoscopy, or a stent.
It is considered a serious condition and can be life-threatening.
Valvani A, Martin A, Devarajan A, Chandy D.Postobstructive pneumonia in lung cancer.Ann Transl Med.
2016;62(8):957-961. doi:10.1093/cid/civ1212
American Lung Association.How lungs work.
Rolston KVI, Nesher L.Post-obstructive pneumonia in patients with cancer: a review.Infect Dis Ther.
2018;7(1):29-38. doi:10.1007/s40121-018-0185-2
