INTRODUCTION
When you hear the word PNEUMO, start thinking of AIR and the LUNGS.
Our Lungs are designed to be filled in with air. When any matter other than air gets into it, they're considered foreign. Because they are foreign, they will irritate the lungs and cause the lung tissue to be inflamed (to swell)
When these foreign body are microorganisms, The condition is termed PNEUMONIA.
When they are chemicals (like kerosene, acids), the condition is termed PNEUMONITIS.
DEFINITION.
Pneumonia is defined as the inflammation of the lung tissues caused by the presence of microorganisms in the lungs.
WHO GETS PNEUMONIA?.
We all breathe in air and alongside it some microorganisms. However in our airways, there are a lot of defense mechanisms (check points) just to ensure that it is only the inhaled air that eventually gets to our lungs. These defense mechanisms ranges from the hair in our nostrils to the numerous soldiers (antibodies) along our airways. So we don't come down with pneumonia because these microorganisms are quickly attacked and destroyed by the defense systems along our airway before they could make it to our lungs.
Pneumonia occurs when;
1. The number of microorganisms that we inhale are large enough to overwhelm and evade the airway soldiers or
2. When the number of airway soldiers are greatly reduced (immunosuppression).
These 2 scenarios form the basis for the following risk factors that predisposes people to having pneumonia and they are;
1. Direct contact with person with airway infection - when such a person sneezes, he/she releases about 1,500 microorganisms into the atmosphere and when he/she coughs, about 3,000 microorganisms is released into the atmosphere.
2. Overcrowding -respiratory infections spreads easily in an overcrowded area. This is true for children in daycare/nurseries where airway infection can rapidly spread. Also in a poor housing condition where a lot people are living In a small room.
3. Air pollution- environmental pollution from fumes from exhaust of automobile and indoor pollution resulting from cooking with coal and cigarette smoking.
4. Immunosuppression- we inhale microorganisms daily but are quickly destroyed by the immune (defense) system before they could get to our lungs. But in immunodeficiency state, they get an unrestricted access to our lungs.
5. Malnutrition- a malnourished person will be immunosuppressed and is at liberty to suffer the same fate while a well breastfed child or a well nourished adult is considerable protected.
WHAT ORGANISM CAUSES PNEUMONIA?.
1. Viruses.
2. Bacteria.
3. Fungi.
HOW WILL I SUSPECT PNEUMONIA?.
When you have Fever (having a high body temperature), cough and difficulty in breathing.
vomiting, diarrhea.
WHAT TO DO.
Visit a hospital where the microorganisms will be killed with the right antibiotics prescribed by your doctor and you will have your health back.
PREVENTION.
Stay clear of the above mentioned risk factors
CONCLUSION.
A lot of defense mechanisms has been installed in our airways by nature just to ensure that it is only the air that eventually makes it to our lungs. When these mechanisms are compromised, the microorganisms eventually makes it to the lungs and we come down with pneumonia. Next point of call is to destroy these microorganisms which can effectively be carried out at a hospital. Don't ignore pneumonia. Thanks.
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