Recognize 3 Causes of Lung Infections and their Risk Factors
There are many things that can cause a lung infection. A number of factors and lifestyle can also increase your risk of developing an infection in your lungs. Therefore, it is important to know the causes and risk factors so that you can take preventive steps.
A lung infection, also known as pneumonia, is a condition when the lungs become inflamed due to an infection. This condition can be experienced by anyone, both adults and children.Some of the symptoms that arise due to lung infection are coughing with phlegm, difficulty breathing, fever, chest pain, fatigue, chills, wheezing or wheezing, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Know the Causes of Lung Infection
In general, lung infections can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or items contaminated with germs.
In addition, transmission can also occur through the air from saliva splashes when the sufferer coughs and sneezes. In fact, this infection can also be transmitted through blood from pregnant women to their fetuses.Based on the type, the causes of lung infections are divided into 3 types, namely:
1. Bacteria
In general, bacteria more often cause lung infections. When compared with other infectious causes, bacterial lung infections usually last longer and are more severe. Even so, prompt and appropriate treatment can kill bacteria and prevent the sufferer from complications.The most common types of bacteria that cause lung infections are Streptococcus pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
2. Viruses
Some viruses can attack the respiratory tract and lungs, causing a person to experience an infection in his lungs. The types of viruses that often cause lung infections are influenza virus, Corona virus, enterovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).3. Mushroom
Although quite rare, fungal infections can attack the respiratory organs, such as the lungs. Some of the fungi that can infect the lungs are fungi Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Pneumocytis, and Histoplasma capsulatum.
Usually, fungal lung infections are more susceptible to HIV and AIDS sufferers, cancer sufferers, or people taking 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 infections if they have one of the following risk factors:
- Over 65 years old or elderly
- Have a family history of asthma or allergies
- Has a habit of smoking and consuming alcohol in excess
- Accepting long-term exposure to cigarette smoke or pollution
- Have certain medical conditions, such as GERD, lung disease, cancer, HIV, AIDS, nasal polyps, or deviated septum
- Consuming drugs, such as long-term high-dose opioids or corticosteroids
- Treatment with chemotherapy
- Being malnourished
- Haven't received the pneumonia vaccine
Lung infections need to be treated immediately, because if left untreated or untreated, these conditions can lead to more severe complications, such as COPD, bronchiectasis, lung abscess, sepsis, and even death.
Therefore, if you experience complaints of lung infection, it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will provide treatment according to the cause of the lung infection you are suffering from, for example giving antibiotics if the lung infection is caused by bacteria. Label : Health
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