Causes

• Pneumonia causes lung consolidation. As described by Pneumonia Symptoms, a specific strain of bacteria called streptococcus infects the lungs, often after a viral infection that has weakened the immune system, and results in lobar pneumonia. This illness causes fluid made up of red and white blood cells to build up in the parenchyma, tiny sacs in the lung tissues designed to hold air, according to the University of California, San Diego.
  
  

Development

• Pneumonia Symptoms outlines four main stages of lung consolidation. The body’s attempts to fight the bacteria cause congestion, which then leads to the release of red blood cells, followed by the release of white blood cells before the final resolution stage. As the blood cells and fluid fill the parenchyma, the affected section of the lung becomes saturated, firm and unable to function properly. Pleural effusion, a similar infiltration of the outer layers of the lung tissue, often accompanies consolidation of the lungs, according to the University of California, San Diego.
  
  

Detection

• Doctors can detect lung consolidation by listening to the lungs through a stethoscope. The patient’s breathing will sound muffled, as if issuing from a snorkel. Pleural effusions muffle breathing sounds as well, but consolidation differs in that it seems to refer sounds normally heard in the area of the trachea toward the edges of the lungs. Another revealing difference occurs when the patient speaks an “ee” vowel. The peculiar acoustics caused by the fluid-filled parenchyma sound through the stethoscope as if the patient has said “aa” instead of “ee.” Chest X-rays can confirm the condition.
  
  

Dangers

• Consolidation, pleural effusions, lung abscesses and other complications of pneumonia limit the body’s access to the oxygen necessary to sustain normal functions. The fluid-filled parenchyma in a consolidated lung cannot receive oxygen and transfer it to the blood for circulation throughout the body. In severe cases, this oxygen deprivation causes shortness of breath, confusion or even death. Before the condition reaches this stage, however, patients may find themselves lacking appetite, breathing rapidly or experiencing chest pains.
  
  

Treatment

• Since consolidation of the lungs stems from pneumonia, doctors must successfully treat the virus or bacteria responsible for the pneumonia to eliminate the consolidation. In the short term, however, patients deprived of oxygen from the consolidation may require immediate oxygen supplementation. While doctors put antibiotics or other medications to work stopping the pneumonia from producing more obstructive fluids, the patient must undergo exercises or other therapies to drain the remaining fluid from the parenchyma. Deep breathing and nonstressful movement can stimulate fluid drainage.