Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that effects the lungs. It can be caused by a variety of infective conditions, and is often the result of lowered immunity due to another health problem. Understanding the possible causes of pneumonia may help to prepare and guard against the infection.
The lungs are an extremely powerful organ that have built-in protections against most harmful agents. Though generally able to take care of problems, the lungs can be subject to infection if bombarded with an illness or weakened through a variety of conditions. If successfully attacked, the lungs are vulnerable the infection known as pneumonia which may be bacterial, fungal, or viral in nature. The causes of this condition are extremely wide, while the severity of the infection may be anywhere from relatively mild to life threatening.
Bacterial pneumonia is often acquired just like any other illness: from exposure to bacteria during daily activities. While careful hygiene can help guard against contact with bacterias that may infect the lungs, it is impossible to completely limit exposure. This type of illness can often be treated with antibiotics as long as it is bacterial in nature, though some medical experts suggest that antibiotic-resistant strains may be developing.
A weakened immune system is another major cause of a lung infection. Post-operative patients and those with immunodeficient conditions such as HIV/AIDS are considered to have a high risk for developing this type of illness. Both immune system-related and community-acquired infections are often classified as infective pneumonia, since they are both caused by a virus or bacteria reaching the lungs and causing problems.
Another major cause of this condition is aspiration, or the entrance of foreign bodies into the lungs. This type of pneumonia is common in people with gastrointestinal disorders that cause reflux, as fluid can enter the lungs. Choking, swallowing vomit, or inhaling noxious substances such as air pollutants or cleaning fluid fumes can also result in an aspiration-caused infection over time. Regular exposure to these substances can damage lung tissue and result in narrow airways, sometimes causing permanent damage to the lungs.
Pneumonia can infect anyone, but certain groups are generally considered high risk. Infants and the elderly may be more likely to develop the condition due to limited lung function. Hospital patients, particularly those in intensive care or post-operative patients show a high risk of infection in some studies. Smokers and workers regularly exposed to corrosive fumes may experience lung tissue damage, which can lower lung function and make infection more likely.
