Pneumonia Illness Causes:
Although a lot of people think that pneumonia is only caused by a bacteria or virus, there are actually a lot of causes to this illness. While these causes might range from the usually bad organisms, certain chemicals can also cause pneumonia.
It is estimated that there are actually 30 noted pneumonia causes. However, these causes fall under two categories: the infective and the aspiration pneumonia.
- Infective pneumonia is the infection and inflammation of the bronchial tubes and the lungs. This happens when a virus or bacteria enters the lungs and starts to multiply in number.
- Bacterial pneumonia is commonly caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Affecting more than just the lungs, this type of pneumonia can also cause such infections on the bloodstream, on the covering of the brain, known as meningitis, and in other parts of the body.
- Aspiration pneumonia, on the other hand, is characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and the lungs brought about by the inhalation of mucous, vomit and other bodily fluids. Certain chemicals can also cause this kind of pneumonia.
- Repeated exposure to such chemicals as gasoline, kerosene, liquid polishes, and lighter fluid could result in the loss of the lungs’ elasticity.
This could also cause the blockage of small airways that could lead to chronic lung disease or reactive airway disease in adults.
