Postobstructive pneumonia refers to pneumonia occurring distally to bronchial obstruction. This condition resulting from an airway obstruction is commonly seen in cases of lung cancer. Many of the patients suffering from lung cancer are in a condition that cannot be operated upon and it is incurable at the time of initial presentation.

Complicated developments like postobstructive pneumonia can make the condition of these patients go downhill. Other complications that can occur include respiratory failure, severe debilitation and pleural effusion. Those individuals suffering from lung cancer are at greater risk of developing respiratory infection that includes bronchial airway obstruction due to tumor.

Bronchial airway obstruction due to tumour can lead to postobstructive pneumonia. As this condition manifests over a period of weeks to months the condition may develop necrosis and the patient may experience lung volume loss of chronic nature along with secondary cavity formation. The initial pathogens in postobstructive pneumonia include such bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, upper respiratory anaerobes and some gram negative bacilli.

There are some non invasive and conventional options that can be implemented for treatment of postobstructive pneumonia. This includes using a broad spectrum of antibiotics that are used in combination with radiation therapy so as the get relief from the obstruction. The antibiotic treatment used is administered for a period of 6 weeks to around 3 months and this of course is dependent on the response.

The treatment for postobstructive pneumonia includes cefepiime, ciprofloxacin, clindamyci, piperacillin and carbapenems and these may be administered intravenously. Oral therapy includes amoxicillin or clindamycin. Cancer treatment in the form of chemotherapy, radiation or laser therapy is also done so as to relieve obstruction.

Patients suffering from lung cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia or multiple myeloma should be vaccinated for the H. Influenza and pneumococci vaccination. While a newly diagnosed cancer patient may have a relatively strong immune system with time the immunity is compromised and this can lead to complications such as postobstructive pneumonia.