What type of pneumonia affects one or more lobes of the lungs?

Lobar pneumonia specifically refers to a type of pneumonia that is characterized by inflammation and consolidation of a large and continuous area of a lobe of the lung. This condition typically affects one or more lobes, making it distinct from other forms of pneumonia, such as bronchopneumonia, which typically involves patchy areas throughout the lungs rather than solid areas within a lobe. The etiology of lobar pneumonia is often bacterial, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being a common causative agent. This type of pneumonia is usually associated with a more acute presentation, characterized by symptoms like high fever, cough with productive sputum, and difficulty breathing related to the significant lung involvement in a particular lobe or lobes.

In contrast, other types of pneumonia, such as viral pneumonia, can involve the lung in a more diffuse manner and are caused by viral infections rather than localized inflammation of lobes. Atypical pneumonia is associated with different pathogens that often lead to milder symptoms and can have a more diffuse effect on lung tissue rather than targeting specific lobes. Understanding the distinction among these types is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia.