3 Causes of pneumonia (pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that creates inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The causes also vary. You need to know for sure in order to get proper pneumonia treatment, so you can avoid complications due to pneumonia. By knowing the cause of pneumonia, your doctor can also determine whether you need to be hospitalized or just get pneumonia treatment at home. Check out the full review below.

What are the causes of pneumonia?

Many germs can cause pneumonia. However, the most common causes of pneumonia are bacteria and viruses in our environment.

Your body can usually prevent these germs from infecting your lungs. However, sometimes these germs can overpower your body's defense system, even when your health is generally good.

In general, germs that cause infection can be the difference between one type of pneumonia and another. Here are the reviews:

Bacteria

Quoted from the American Lung Association, the most common type of bacterial pneumonia is called pneumococcal pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae which usually live in the upper respiratory tract.

Other bacteria that are also common causes of pneumonia are Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococci, Moraxella catarrhalis, anaerobic, and aerobic gram-negative bacteria.

Bacterial pneumonia can present on its own or develop after you have the flu virus. After you catch the flu virus, your body's defenses will decrease slightly.

This makes it easier for bad bacteria to develop which can then cause pneumonia. This pneumonia sometimes affects only one part (lobe) of the lung. This condition is called lobar pneumonia.

The people most at risk for pneumonia are people who are recovering from surgery, those with respiratory illnesses or viral infections, and those with weakened immune systems.

Apart from the bacteria above, there are several other microorganisms that can also cause pneumonia. This condition is called atypical pneumonia.

Called "atypical" because the symptoms of pneumonia caused by these germs look a little different. These microorganisms also show different chest X-rays and respond to antibiotics in a different way than the typical bacteria that cause pneumonia.

Some of the microorganisms that cause atypical pneumonia, namely:

1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae

These tiny bacteria are widespread in people under 40 years of age, especially those who live and work in densely populated conditions. The disease is often mild enough to go undetected. This condition is also referred to as walking pneumonia or walking pneumonia.

2. Chlamydhophila pneumoniae

These bacteria usually cause not only upper respiratory infections throughout the year, but also mild pneumonia.

3. Legionella pneumophila

This bacteria causes a dangerous pneumonia called Legionnaires disease. Unlike other bacterial pneumonia, Legionella not transmitted from person to person.

The disease outbreak has been linked to polluted water from cooling towers, spas and outdoor fountains.

Although it shows a different picture from bacteria that cause pneumonia in general, this atypical infection is also quite common.

Virus

Viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract can also cause pneumonia. Influenza virus is the most common cause of viral (viral) pneumonia in adults.

Meanwhile, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of viral pneumonia in children. Most viral pneumonia is not serious and lasts shorter than bacterial pneumonia.

Viral pneumonia caused by the influenza virus can be a severe and fatal condition. The virus can invade the lungs and multiply, but the physical signs of fluid-filled lung tissue are barely visible.

This pneumonia can have serious consequences for people who have heart or lung disease. Pregnant women who have previously had the condition are also more at risk.

More specifically, here are the various viruses that cause pneumonia, quoted from an article published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Influenza A.
  Influenza A virus is the leading cause of death and serious illness in viral pneumonia.

• Human metapneumovirus
  Human metapneumovirus is known to cause viral pneumonia. This virus is also said to be the cause of the SARS outbreak.

• Parainfluenza virus
  Parainfluenza virus is most commonly associated with pneumonia in children on a seasonal basis.

• Human bocavirus coronavirus
  This virus usually causes pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.

• Adenovirus
  Adenovirus is the most common cause of pneumonia in people who have had organ transplants.

• Enterovirus
  Enteroviruses are an uncommon cause of viral pneumonia. This virus is better known as the cause of polio, gastrointestinal (digestive) and upper respiratory tract diseases.

• Varicella-zoster virus
  The Varicella-zoster virus is associated with chickenpox and shingles and can cause severe pneumonia. Pregnant women who have weak immune systems are at risk of developing pneumonia due to this virus.

• Herpes simplex virus
  This virus causes viral pneumonia in patients with compromised immune systems, such as patients with HIV and those who have had organ transplants.

• Coronavirus
  This type of coronavirus is often associated with severe pneumonia and can be life threatening. The new type of coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is the cause of the Covid-19 outbreak which is also related to viral pneumonia and can have serious consequences.

Mushroom

Pneumonia caused by fungi occurs most often in people with chronic health problems or a weak immune system. People who are exposed to large amounts of mold from contaminated soil or bird droppings are also at risk for this condition.

Pneumocystis pneumonia is a serious fungal infection caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii. This occurs in people who have a weakened immune system due to HIV / AIDS. People who use long-term drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cancer treatment or treatment after an organ transplant are also at risk for this condition.

What increases my risk of getting pneumonia?

You need to know the factors that can increase your risk of developing pneumonia. That way, you may be able to take steps to prevent pneumonia through vaccinations to lifestyle changes.

Some of the things below can increase your risk of getting pneumonia:

Age

Pneumonia tends to be more common in children or the elderly. In particular, children younger than two years and those older than 65 years.

Pregnant

Pregnant people are more at risk of getting pneumonia which is caused by a virus. That's why the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an inactivated influenza virus vaccine in pregnant women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Been hospitalized

You are more at risk of developing pneumonia if you have been admitted to an intensive care unit, especially if you are on a breathing apparatus (ventilator).

Chronic disease

You are more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease.

Smoke

Smoking can damage your body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.

A weak or suppressed immune system

People with HIV / AIDS, who have had long-term organ transplants, chemotherapy, or steroids are at greater risk of developing pneumonia.

Illness or other health conditions

A number of other diseases or conditions that can increase your risk of developing pneumonia include trauma, severe burns, uncontrolled diabetes, malnutrition, poverty, environmental exposure, and living in a densely populated environment.