Consolidation in medicine

Consolidation in medicine refers to the process where lung tissue becomes firm and dense due to the accumulation of fluid, pus, blood, or cellular material, often caused by infection (like pneumonia) or other lung conditions. Normally, healthy lung tissue is spongy and filled with air, but when consolidation occurs, the affected area loses its air content and appears solid on imaging tests, indicating an abnormal filling of the alveoli—the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. This change can lead to symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.