Causes and Preventions for Pneumonia
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What causes pneumonia?
There are more than 30 different causes of pneumonia, and they’re grouped by the cause. The main types of pneumonia are:
- Bacterial pneumonia. This type is caused by various bacteria. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. It usually occurs when the body is weakened in some way, such as by illness, poor nutrition, old age, or impaired immunity, and the bacteria are able to work their way into the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia can affect all ages, but you are at greater risk if you abuse alcohol, smoke cigarettes, are debilitated, have recently had surgery, have a respiratory disease or viral infection, or have a weakened immune system.
- Viral pneumonia. This type is caused by various viruses, including the flu (influenza), and is responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases. You may be more likely to get bacterial pneumonia if you have viral pneumonia.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia. This type has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs and is referred to as atypical pneumonia. It is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It generally causes a mild, widespread pneumonia that affects all age groups.
- Other pneumonias. There are other less common pneumonias that may be caused by other infections including fungi.
Who is at risk for pneumonia?
Anyone can get pneumonia. However, the following groups are at the highest risk:
- Adults ages 65 and older
- Children younger than age 2
- People with certain medical conditions
- People that smoke
Can pneumonia be prevented?
Check with your healthcare provider about getting immunizations. The flu is a common cause of pneumonia. Because of that, getting a flu shot every year can help prevent both the flu and pneumonia.
There is also a pneumococcal vaccine. It will protect you from a common form of bacterial pneumonia. Children younger than age 5 and adults ages 65 and older should get this shot.
The pneumococcal shot is also recommended for all children and adults who are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease due to other health conditions.
What are the complications of pneumonia?
Most people with pneumonia respond well to treatment, but pneumonia can be very serious and even deadly.
You are more likely to have complications if you are an older adult, a very young child, have a weakened immune system, or have a serious medical problem like diabetes or cirrhosis. Complications may include:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is a severe form of respiratory failure.
- Lung abscesses. These are pockets of pus that form inside or around the lung. They may need to be drained with surgery
- Respiratory failure. This requires the use of a breathing machine or ventilator.
- Sepsis. This is when the infection gets into the blood. It may lead to organ failure.