Pneumonia – inflammation of the lungs

pneumonia



Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, a health condition that indicates emergency treatment as it can have fatal consequences especially in the younger population.

The lungs are “spongy” organs filled with air, whose most important function is the exchange of gases, that is, the distribution of oxygen from the atmosphere to the bloodstream and the release of carbon dioxide from the blood into the atmosphere. Alveoli play a key role in the gas exchange process – small bubble-like structures that are filled with air in a healthy individual. In the case of lung inflammation, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which compromises the gas exchange process.

Pneumonia

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
In the human body there are several defence mechanisms (sneezing, coughing, special cellular construction of the respiratory system, immune system) that protect against infectious particles and prevent pneumonia. At the moment when pathological microorganisms overwhelm the defence mechanisms, an infection occurs.
Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, rickets, mycoplasmas, parasites, fungi and so on. The most common are: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophyla, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Influenza virus, CMV (cytomegalovirus) etc.

Pneumonia can occur in any individual, but there are certain categories of people who are more vulnerable to:

– Persons with a chronic illness (asthma, COPD, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.)
– Persons over 65 years of age
– Children up to 2 years of age
– Smokers
– Persons who due to their occupation are often exposed to chemicals, dust, toxic gases, etc.;
– Persons with reduced immunity (persons infected with HIV);
– People who are hospitalized, especially in intensive care.

HOW DOES IT TRANSFER?

The penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the lungs can be through:
Introduction of microorganisms from the oropharynx. Aspiration of pulmonary pathogens is the most common mechanism for pneumonia.
Inhalation of infectious aerosols. These are particles smaller than 3-5 microns containing microbes. These infectious aerosols are very small, so they can penetrate deep into the airways and cause infection. A single infectious card may be sufficient to cause inflammation.
Transmission of infection through the blood. Scattering of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood through the lungs usually occurs in drug addicts, patients with venous catheters, endocarditis, etc.
Gaining infection from stab wounds to the lungs or to certain medical interventions. Medical interventions such as tracheal intubation and traumatic lung injury may be the cause of pneumonia.
Spread of infection from surrounding tissues. If an inflammatory hot spot of organs and organic structures is present anatomically close to the lungs, direct transmission of the infection may occur, and pneumonia may develop.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS

Depending on the symptoms and the signs, we distinguish two clinical pneumonia syndromes: typical and atypical, although recent studies show that no sharp boundary can be established between the two clinical forms.
– Pneumonia
– Typical pneumonia
In this type of pneumonia, symptoms appear suddenly for a short period of time.

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