Causes and development of pneumonia
Pneumonia can have various causes. It can be caused by bacteria. This is where pathogens such as: are most likely to be involved.
In some cases, pneumonia can also occur as a result of hospital infections.
- Pneumococci
- Staphylococci
- But also rarer ones like Legionella
- Or Chlamydia/Mycoplasma
Viruses can also cause pneumonia. The most common ones are: Infections with fungi (e.g. Candida, Aspergillus) occur almost exclusively in persons with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised persons).
The typical pneumonia is mostly caused by bacteria. The inflammation is mainly located in the alveoli (alveoli) and the thin branches of the bronchi (bronchioles). If only one lobe of the lung is affected, it is called lobular pneumonia (lobus = lobe), which is usually caused by pneumococci.
Atypical pneumonia is often caused by mycoplasma and legionella, which are among the bacteria, but also by viruses and fungi. The inflammatory deposits in this form are more likely to be in the interstitium (intermediate tissue). HIV-infected persons have a general weakness of the immune system.
The T-lymphocytes, the defence cells of our body, are destroyed and the defence against bacteria, viruses and fungi is thus made more difficult. Fungal infestation of the lungs can be observed almost exclusively in people with a weakened immune system. These fungi cannot harm a healthy adult. In an aspiration pneumonia (stomach contents – gastric juice enters the lungs), the cause of the inflammation is not the pathogen but the acid gastric juice. Particularly at risk of contracting pneumonia are elderly and weakened people, the chronically ill, but also alcoholics and children.
Anatomy of air conduction sections
Causes by smoking
Smoking can be one factor among many that causes pneumonia. When smoking, more and more particles are deposited over the years, which come directly from the cigarette and are contained in the smoke. These particles reach the innermost part of the lungs, the alveoli.
The cilia, which are actually responsible for moving dirt and dust from the lungs back to the mouth, gradually become sticky and can no longer do their job. Instead of the cilia, more and more goblet cells are formed, which produce mucus. In the end, so much mucus is produced that it can no longer be removed.
It also makes it easier for the pollutants from smoking to reach the lungs. The lung mucosa often becomes inflamed and the tissue is altered. The bronchial walls become thicker and thicker, and less air reaches the lungs.
The exchange of gases is insufficient. The changes in the lungs make them even more susceptible to bacteria, viruses and fungi, which multiply due to the lack of cilia and can penetrate the lungs directly with hardly any resistance. These pathogens cause pneumonia in many patients as a result.
