Risk factors for Pneumonia that you should beware of
Pneumonia is one of the common diseases in the community. Do prevention by knowing the risk factors of pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung organs that occur due to infection. The disease known as the wet lung term ranks 10th as the cause of death worldwide. Therefore, it is important to know the risk factors of pneumonia.
Pneumonia occurs when there are harmful microorganisms that enter the lung organs. Some microorganisms are meant to include viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
The process of inflammation that occurs in pneumonia causes the lung organs along with the alveoli (the air sac in the lungs) is filled by liquids or pus. In the end, the lungs are not functioning properly and cause the main symptoms of cough with phlegm.
There are no accompanying symptoms that can arise, namely fever, chills, chest pain when breathing, shortness of breath, headache, nausea, vomiting, liquid bowel movements, muscle aches, and joints, as well as the body, is easily exhausted.
Risk factors for pneumonia
Although it can be experienced by anyone, pneumonia is more common in children 2 years old and below and parents aged 65 years and above. The possibility of the disease can be higher, especially when you are dealing with the following risk factors of pneumonia:
Smoking
Toxic substances that enter the lung organs when smoking can damage the tissues, including the immune system. Due to the weakening of the immune system in the lungs, the microorganisms that are inhalation can easily cause pneumonia.
Chronic diseases
People who from the beginning experienced chronic diseases have a higher risk of having pneumonia.
Some of the chronic diseases in question, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease, bronchiectasis, diabetes or cystic fibrosis.
Immune system Disorders
Diseases of HIV/AIDS, users of chemotherapy drugs or corticosteroids, or experiencing autoimmune diseases are some conditions that make the immune system weakened. The condition makes it more susceptible to pneumonia.
Hospital care
When hospitalized, the immune system condition is usually weak.
This situation makes the patient more risky to experience pneumonia. Especially if the quality of air in the hospital is not well maintained so that it contains many microorganisms that cause the disease.
Decreased consciousness
A person who has decreased awareness is riskier to experience pneumonia. Why so? For, loss of consciousness can lead to impaired muscle work, including muscles that play a role in ingestion.
Ultimately, swallowing disorders can cause incorrect food to get into the airway including the pulmonary organ. This condition is known medically as aspiration pneumonia.
The same risk also applies to people who drink excessive alcohol, resulting in a decline in consciousness.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition can lead to a variety of health problems, including disorders of the immune system. As a consequence, the body is more susceptible to infection with microorganisms causing pneumonia.
Once you know the risk factors of pneumonia, you can certainly be more wary of this disease. Apply a clean and healthy lifestyle, consume nutritious food, exercise regularly, break enough and manage stress well. Thus, you can avoid pneumonia.