{"id":2718,"date":"2019-01-21T08:34:38","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T08:34:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2718"},"modified":"2021-05-24T17:17:00","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T17:17:00","slug":"8-pneumonia-causes-that-can-affect-anyone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/8-pneumonia-causes-that-can-affect-anyone\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Pneumonia Causes That Can Affect Anyone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pneumonia affects millions of people around the globe every year, with children most at risk of developing a life-threatening condition as a result of the infection. UNICEF statistics show that pneumonia accounts for 16-percent of the 5.6 million deaths in children under the age of five years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults are also at risk of developing the condition. Pneumonia occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the lungs. The purulent material inflames the air-sacs, filling them with phlegm and pus that produces violent coughing fits. Sputum from coughing may contain bright-yellow mucus with dark spots of pus. Pneumonia requires immediate medical intervention to prevent the condition from scarring or collapsing the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals with pneumonia may experience other symptoms such as low fever, chills, labored breathing, and fatigue. Patients that receive treatment early typically make a full recovery in a week or two. However, if left unchecked, pneumonia can cause severe health complications involving the respiratory system.
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1. Bacteria and Viruses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of pneumonia <\/a>cases come from the bacteria known as \u201cStreptococcus pneumonia,\u201d (pneumococcus.) This bacterium invades your body after a bout of the flu when your immune system is weak. The bacteria typically infect one side of the lung, a condition named \u201clobar pneumonia.\u201d It\u2019s important to note that streptococcus pneumonia can also take up residence in your lungs without any previous sign of infection or disease, such as the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mycoplasma pneumonia is another form of the condition that leads to atypical pneumonia in adults and children alike. This infection is seasonal and generally occurs in the winter and summer months. Medical professionals treat bacterial pneumonia infections using antibiotics, and most people make a full recovery from the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Viral forms of pneumonia are far more aggressive than the bacterial type and treatment with antibiotics doesn\u2019t work to prevent the spread of the disease in the lungs. Viruses that inflict pneumonia include; adenoviruses, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and parainfluenza.
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2.    Fungal Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fungal forms of pneumonia are a lesser-known variety of the disease. Cases of fungal pneumonia involve two different classes; endemic and opportunistic. The inhalation of fungal spores leads to the development of this condition and travelers frequently encounter this form of the disease while visiting regions where endemic fungi breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the infected individuals develop a condition known as \u201cvalley fever,\u201d presenting symptoms such as harsh coughing fits, high fever, headaches<\/a>, rash, and intense muscle aches. Fungal pneumonia typically attacks weakened immune systems, Changes in the health of your gut biomes, the bacteria living in your digestive system, may expose you to infection from this variety of pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment requires the use of antibiotics to relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, the patient may need to remain hospitalized, and monitored to ensure the fungi do not spread to both lungs. Fungal pneumonia is contagious, and infected individuals should stay in quarantine until their symptoms dissipate.
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3.    Nosocomial Organisms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This form of pneumonia is a dreaded disease that frequently occurs in hospitals due to drug-resistant bacteria<\/a>. Community organisms with consistent exposure to antibiotics develop a resistance to the drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, they\u2019re ineffective at curing the disease. Individuals suffering from nosocomial pneumonia find it challenging to rid themselves of the infection and may require an extended stay in emergency care to monitor their progression with the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria responsible for infection circulates throughout the medical facility using the air-conditioning ducts. Most cases of the disease occur within 48 to 72-hours after admission. Treatment includes the use of bacteria-specific antibiotics and support for the cardiovascular system to prevent cardiac decompensation, where the heart can no longer provide the necessary blood flow to allow for healthy organ function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible for healthy individuals to contract this form of the disease by touching surfaces contaminated with the bacteria or virus. Whenever you visit a hospital or other healthcare facility, remember to wash your hands frequently or use anti-bacterial hand lotion to prevent infection.
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4.    Chronic Bronchitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bronchitis <\/a>is a bacterial infection of the lungs, similar to pneumonia. However, most people get over the symptoms of the disease in a few short days, and early diagnosis coupled with the right treatment means the patient typically recovers from the condition in as little as a week after diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bronchitis inflames the bronchial tubes, filling them with mucus. The overproduction of mucus in the lungs leads to a wheezing sound during breathing and an irritating cough that produces phlegm. In most cases, bronchial phlegm is clear. However, in bacterial infections, mucus may appear to contain brown or green flecks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cigarette smokers can develop a chronic form of bronchitis that leads to a hacking cough that won\u2019t go away. If left untreated, the bacteria start to multiply, and chronic bronchitis can develop into pneumonia. If you think you’ve contracted bronchitis, its best to seek medical assistance as soon as possible, and begin your treatment right away, to prevent the progression of the condition into pneumonia.
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5.    Weak Immune System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that 60-percent of your immune system<\/a> resides in your digestive system? Immune function plays a significant role in the development of pneumonia. People with a healthy immune function may be able to fight off infection and avoid contracting pneumonia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, individuals with weakened immune systems are easy prey for the bacteria which causes pneumonia. Causes for a weak immune system include a poor diet, filled with refined carbs and sugar that create inflammation in the intestinal wall of the digestive tract. In an inflamed state, immune efficiency drops and you become more susceptible to contracting the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other causes of weak immune function include drug therapy, as well as conditions such as Immunodeficiency disorders. These disorders inhibit the body\u2019s ability to defend against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. In this weakened state, it\u2019s possible to contract a dangerous strain of pneumonia named \u201cPneumocystis carinii.\u201d  This strain affects both lungs, and the weak immune system enables it to spread quickly between both sides.
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6.    Cigarette Smoking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By now we all know and understand the dangers involved with cigarette <\/a>smoke. Those individuals that still choose to smoke regardless of the health risks it presents are setting themselves up for the development of chronic bronchitis at some stage of their life. Contracting the disease leads to complications with the health of your bronchial airways in the lungs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airways fill with sticky mucus that\u2019s difficult to cough up. In some cases, chronic bronchitis develops into pneumonia, requiring medical intervention to halt the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, most smokers continue their habit throughout the development of the disease, and symptoms can quickly progress with the lungs in such a weakened state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you struggle with quitting smoking, even after a bout of chronic bronchitis, speak to a medical professional about stopping before it claims your life. There are various cessation programs available, and vaping offers a reasonable alternative to help you quit.
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7.    Malnutrition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Malnutrition <\/a>is a serious concern for many Americans. Over 42-million people currently rely on government food assistance programs in the United States, that\u2019s nearly 13-percent of the population that can\u2019t put food on the table without help from Uncle Sam. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of these grisly figures, around 23-million people live in \u201cfood deserts,\u201d across the United States. A food desert is an area of the country or a state, that does not receive fresh food supplies. People living in these areas have to rely on retailer deliveries or fast food for their meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malnutrition occurs when the body receives fewer nutrients than is required for normal bodily function. Nutrient deficiencies lead to a host of health problems and decrease immune efficiency. In a weakened state, it\u2019s easy for bacteria and viruses to infect your body. Many illnesses can develop into pneumonia, so it\u2019s best to ensure you\u2019re eating enough calories and receiving adequate amounts of micronutrients in your diet to remain in a healthy state.
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8.    Disease Outbreaks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many philanthropists, such as Bill Gates, believe that the next global pandemic is just around the corner. We\u2019ve all seen Asia battle with containing the avian and pig flu strains, and can you remember when SARS<\/a>, (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome,) was a real health threat to people living in China and Japan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disease outbreaks are another leading cause of pneumonia, because of their propensity to reduce the efficiency and health of the immune system. As we\u2019ve discussed, the immune system plays a vital role in preventing infection, as well as recovery from illness. In a weakened state, the body is at a higher risk of developing a concurrent condition, such as bacterial pneumonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While medicine continues to advance in every area from diagnosis to treatment, it\u2019s still vital that we maintain excellent levels of health to ensure the optimal function of our immune system. If you live in an area experiencing an outbreak of disease, make sure you\u2019re adequately prepared to meet the challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. COVID-19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In late 2019, China saw the emergence of a new novel coronavirus. SARS-CoV-2 rapidly swept throughout the world, infecting every country in the developed and emerging nations. In the first wave of the infection, the virus infected millions of people across the globe, causing tens of thousands of deaths. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19<\/a> is the disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, And there is currently no cure or no vaccine available for this disease. There are few treatment options, and the worst patients end up intubated on ventilators. COVID-19 causes mild flu-like symptoms in many people infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms at all.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, people with existing conditions or comorbidities, as well as seniors, are at higher risk of developing pneumonia due to COVID-19 infection. The intensity of pneumonia varies from individual to individual, and the symptoms of the disease remain a mystery to medical science, with no vaccine or effective treatment in view.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Pre-existing Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, people with pre-existing conditions, otherwise known as “comorbidities,” are at higher risk of developing pneumonia if they contract diseases like influenza<\/a>, COVID-19, or bronchitis. What might start as a small cough, and a tickle in the throat could lead to a life-threatening situation if the patient does not receive immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the more common comorbidities associated with the development of pneumonia in preventable illness include obesity, diabetes, age, COPD, or any other severe or chronic respiratory disease. People who are dealing with these conditions often have a hard time fighting off bacteria or viruses from entering the respiratory system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the pathogens colonize the lungs, damaging the alveoli. The alveoli are small sacs in the lungs responsible for the gaseous exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. Those patients with pneumonia experience a filling of these alveolar sacs with fluid. If the lungs cannot drain, the patient dies by drowning in their fluids as they struggle to breathe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Exposure to Environmental Toxins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s also possible to become exposed to viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia <\/a>in natural environments. Many animals carry viruses and other forms of diseases. Bats are an example of species responsible for carrying many different types of diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the Ebola virus is an example of a dangerous hemorrhagic fever that originates in bats and spreads to human beings. Central and northwestern African populations are currently dealing with outbreaks of the Ebola virus in small communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The classic SARS virus, and supposedly; the new SARS-CoV-2, are also examples of bat-derived coronaviruses. It’s possible to experience an infection with these types of viruses by entering into environments we better live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These caves have feces and urine all over the floor. Various viral and bacterial pneumococcal pathogens exist in this habitat, and breathing in the air without the use of respirator equipment can lead to the absorption of these pathogens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers must wear the correct PPE when entering these environments to look for biological samples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Vaping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although there is little confirmed evidence suggesting that vaping can cause respiratory disease, there is some anecdotal indications suggest that it could compound the problem of pneumonia. When vapers pull on a vape-pen, they vaporize two or three chemicals to create a warm vapor, which tastes good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The substances themselves are not toxic, and there is no evidence to support that they can cause pneumonia or any other form of respiratory disease. However, recent research into how vaping affects people infected with the coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, shows that vaping may create a “wet lung effect” – allowing the virus to start to enter the respiratory system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, people that vape may find that they experience the symptoms of pneumonia in the respiratory system<\/a>, faster than those people who do not smoke cigarettes or vape. It’s important to note that all of this is anecdotal evidence. No research or peer-reviewed evidence suggests vaping has any connection to pneumonia in patients infected with COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Age is another significant factor determining whether or not a person receives pneumonia during a viral or bacterial infection. Young children and seniors might be at the opposite end of the age spectrum, but they share some interesting similarities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both infants <\/a>and seniors suffer from low immune function. In infants, the gastrointestinal system has yet to form. Therefore, the infant’s immune response will remain low until they are at least a year or two old. During this developmental period, medical professionals must vaccinate the child against viral and bacterial pneumococcal pathogens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we age, the health of our immune system starts to decline. People who are in their 60s and 70s will experience a gradual drop in immune health due to a lack of protein synthesis. The older we get, the lower the immune response. As a result, many seniors struggle with getting over the flu or another bacterial infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also for this reason that seniors are more likely to develop pneumonia as a complication from other respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis or influenza.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Contact with Infected Individuals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia is an incredibly infectious disease. Viral pneumonia is far more contagious <\/a>than the bacterial variant, but both versions of the disease are extreme concerns for medical professionals. Certain viral strains of pneumonia, such as the pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, are incredibly aggressive.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some theories of strains of COVID-19 that kill senior patients within a few days. Unfortunately, these individuals experience admission into hospital ICU systems. As a result, medical professionals must wear correct PPE to avoid infection with pathogens responsible for the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient should cough in the face of a medical professional who does not have the correct PPE, it increases the viral load associated with the transmission of the disease. As a result, the medical practitioner may become symptomatic with the infection very quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia is an example of a transmissible disease. By stopping transmission, you prevent the spread of the disease. Therefore, cutting contact with all infected individuals is the only way of stamping out the pathogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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