The alveoli still appear consolidated, but grossly the color is paler and the cut surface is drier. This is when death typically occurs in severe cases. Resolution (complete recovery): The exudate is digested by enzymatic activity, and cleared by macrophages or by cough mechanism. Enzymes produced by neutrophils will liquify exudates, and this will either be coughed up in sputum or be drained via lymph. In children
The openings between the alveoli known as the pores of Kohn, and the collateral airways of the canals of Lambert, are undeveloped in children. Spread of infection that would otherwise occur is prevented and can result in round pneumonia, most commonly caused by S. pneumoniae. This clinically presents with an initial mild respiratory infection, followed by fever. On imaging it presents an opaque pulmonary consolidation which is unusually round, and can resemble a lung mass. However it quickly resolves with antibiotics. Diagnosis
The most common organisms which cause lobar pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae, also called pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the tubercle bacillus, may also cause lobar pneumonia if pulmonary tuberculosis is not treated promptly. Other organisms that cause lobar pneumonia are Legionella pneumophila and Klebsiella pneumoniae.Like other types of pneumonia, lobar pneumonia can present as community acquired, in immune suppressed patients or as nosocomial infection. However, most causative organisms are of the community acquired type.
Pathological specimens to be obtained for investigations include:

Sputum for culture, AAFBS and gram stain
Blood for full hemogram/complete blood count, ESR and other acute phase reactants
Procalcitonin test, more specificOn a posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph, an entire lobe will be radiopaque, which is indicative of lobar pneumonia. The identification of the infectious organism (or other cause) is an important part of modern treatment of pneumonia. The anatomical patterns of distribution can be associated with certain organisms, and can help in selection of an antibiotic while waiting for the pathogen to be cultured. References
External links
 Media related to Lobar pneumonia at Wikimedia Commons