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Pneumonia
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Causes of pneumonia

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Pneumonia generally develops when the lungs are infected by either a respiratory virus or bacteria. These infections can be transmitted by:

Dysphagia, difficulty to swallow

Respiratory viruses and bacteria living in the nostrils (nose), sinuses and the mouth which can subsequently spread to the lungs.

Man coughing in front of another man at risk of infection

Inhaling microorganisms that can be found either in the environment or in air-borne droplets coughed or sneezed out of the mouth of an infected person.

Person holding hands to neck, sweating, pale, unable to breathe, feeling short of breath, short of breath, choking or breathlessness

Aspiring food, vomit or secretions from the mouth into the lungs.

Pneumococcus, the primary bacterial cause of pneumonia

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) is the main bacterial cause of pneumonia. The most common respiratory virus leading to pneumonia is the flu virus (influenza A/B virus), which is particularly widespread in winter.

Risk factors associated with pneumonia

Individuals can develop pneumonia at any age; however it is more likely to develop:

A baby and an old man with a cane

Among the elderly (over 65 years) and young children (under 5);

Glucometer and a hand with a finger in which the lancet has been inserted to measure diabetes levels.

In people with chronic lung diseases, diabetes, poor nutrition, alcohol abuse, difficulty swallowing, other chronic health problems or immune system problems;

Second-hand smoker receiving smoke from a smoker

In smokers and those exposed to tobacco smoke; and

Injection crossed out

Among people who have not received a flu and/or pneumococcal vaccine.

Read more Symptoms
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Substantiated information by:

Antoni Torres Martí
Juan Roselló Sáncho

Published: 20 February 2018
Updated: 20 February 2018

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