Pneumonia or Bronchopneumonia: Causes and Risk factors of Pneumonia

Causes and Risk factors of Pneumonia

There are about 30 different causes of pneumonia. However, they all fall into one of these categories:

Infective pneumonia: Inflammation and infection of the lungs and bronchial tubes that occurs when a bacteria, virus, mycoplasma and fungus gets into the lungs and starts to reproduce.

Aspiration pneumonia: An inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by inhaling vomit, mucous, or other bodily fluids (Agents such as petroleum solvents, dry cleaning fluid, lighter fluid, kerosene, gasoline, and liquid polishes and waxes are the most likely causes.). Aspiration pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling certain chemicals.

Risk factors to develop of pneumonia are;

Age about 65 or older, if they have other medical condition, It will more prone to developing pneumonia. Very young children if they don't take full immune system, they are also at risk to develop of pneumonia.

Certain diseases. These include immune deficiency diseases such as HIV/AIDS and chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, emphysema and other lung diseases, and diabetes. If immune system on the human has been impaired by chemotherapy or long-term use of immunosuppressant drugs, they are also at increased risk of pneumonia.

Smoking, alcohol abuse. Smoking will make an irritants such as tobacco smoke paralyze the cilia, causing secretions to accumulate. If these secretions contain bacteria, they can develop into pneumonia. Alcohol interferes with the normal gag reflex as well as with the action of the white blood cells that fight infection.

Hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Pneumonia acquired in the hospital tends to be more serious than other types of pneumonia. People who need mechanical ventilation are particularly at risk because the breathing tube bypasses the normal defenses of the upper respiratory tract, prevents coughing, may allow the stomach's contents to back up into the esophagus where they can be inhaled (aspirated), and can harbor bacteria and other harmful organisms.

Having Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and using inhaled corticosteroids for more than 24 weeks. Research indicates that this greatly increases the risk of developing pneumonia, possibly serious pneumonia.

Exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants. The risk of developing some uncommon types of pneumonia may be increased if someone work in agriculture, in construction or around certain industrial chemicals or animals. Exposure to air pollution or toxic fumes can also contribute to lung inflammation, which makes it harder for the lungs to clear themselves.

Surgery or traumatic injury. People who've had surgery or who are immobilized from a traumatic injury have a higher risk of pneumonia because surgery or serious injuries may make coughing — which helps clear your lungs — more difficult, and lying flat can allow mucus to collect in your lungs, providing a breeding ground for bacteria.

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