Recognize 3 causes of lung infections and risk factors

Table of contents:

Recognize 3 causes of lung infections and risk factors
Recognize 3 causes of lung infections and risk factors
Anonim

There are many things that can be a cause of lung infection. A number of factors and lifestyles can also increase the risk of your lungs infection. Therefore, it is important to find out the causes and risk factors so that the precautions you can take

Lung infections or also called pneumonia are conditions when the lungs are inflamed due to infection. This condition can be experienced by anyone, both adults and children.

Recognize 3 causes of lung infection and the risk factors - alodokter
Recognize 3 causes of lung infection and the risk factors - alodokter

Some symptoms that arise due to lung infections are coughing up phlegm, difficulty breathing, fever, chest pain, fatigue, chills, breathing sounds or wheezing, vomiting, no appetite, and diarrhea.

Recognize the cause of lung infection

In general, lung infections can be transmitted through direct contact with infected people or contaminated goods.

In addition, transmission can also occur through the air from sparks when the sufferer coughs and sneezes. In fact, this infection can also be transmitted through the blood from pregnant women to the fetus.

Based on the type, the causes of lung infection can be divided into 3 types, namely:

1. Bacteria

Generally, bacteria more often cause lung infections. When compared with other causes of infection, lung infections due to bacteria usually last longer and severe. Even so, fast and precise treatment can kill bacteria and prevent sufferers from complications.

The most common types of bacteria cause lung infections are streptococcus pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumoniae, pertussis bordetella, and mycobacterium tuberculosis.

2. Virus

Some viruses can attack the respiratory tract and lungs, causing a person to have an infection in the lungs. Types of viruses that often cause lung infections are influenza viruses, corona viruses, enterovirus, and respiratory synchtial viruses (RSV).

3. Mushrooms

Although quite rare, fungal infections can attack the respiratory organs, such as lungs. Some mushrooms that can infect the lungs are Aspergillus, cryptococcus, pneumocytis, and histoplasma capsulatum.

Usually, lung infections by fungus are more susceptible to people with HIV and AIDS, cancer sufferers, or people who take immunosuppressant drugs.

Various Risk Factors for Lung Infection

After knowing the cause, it is important for you to know the factors that can increase the risk of lung infection. A person will be more susceptible to lung infection if he has one of the following risk factors:

  • Aged 65 years and over or elderly
  • Have a history of asthma or allergies in the family
  • Have a habit of smoking and consuming excessive alcoholic drinks
  • Receive exposure to cigarette smoke or pollution in the long run
  • Has certain medical conditions, such as GERD, lung disease, cancer, HIV, AIDS, nasal polyps, or deviation of septum
  • Taking drugs, for example high-dose opioid or corticosteroid drugs in the long run
  • Undergoing treatment with chemotherapy
  • Experience malnutrition
  • Hasn't obtained a pneumonia vaccine

In addition, lung infections are also more at risk of occurs in premature babies and less than 2 years old. Children under 5 years old or toddlers are also vulnerable to this infection.

Lung infections need to be treated immediately, because if left or not treated, these conditions can cause more severe complications, such as COPD, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, sepsis, to death.

Therefore, if you experience complaints of lung infections, it is advisable to immediately see a doctor. The doctor will provide treatment in accordance with the causes of lung infections that you suffer, for example antibiotics if lung infections are caused by bacteria.

Recommended: