Overview of Pneumonia
Classified as both an acute and lower respiratory infection, pneumonia causes inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli, disrupting the ability of these structures to facilitate gas exchange within the lungs [1,2]. As the immune system attempts to combat the infection, inflammation occurs in the pulmonary alveoli. These sacs, normally filled with air, fill up with fluid as a result of the inflammation and consequently obstruct the exchange of oxygen between the alveoli membranes and the blood [2]. This lack of oxygen has detrimental effects on cellular function which, in combination with the spread of infection across the body, establishes pneumonia as a life threatening disease for individuals whose immune systems are unable to combat the infection. As a result, individuals with compromised immune system have a greater risk of contracting the infection.
Individuals at risk of contracting pneumonia include babies, young children, elderly, individuals who consistently smoke, and individuals suffering from a previous health condition or weakened immune systems [7]. Specific preexisting health conditions have exhibited a high correlation with subsequent pneumonia diagnosis: viral respiratory infections, heart disease, recent surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, sickle cell anemia, AIDS and cystic fibrosis [5,6,7,10]. Environmental factors, such as indoor air pollution and crowdedness, can also increase the risk of developing pneumonia [2].
Individuals at risk of contracting pneumonia include babies, young children, elderly, individuals who consistently smoke, and individuals suffering from a previous health condition or weakened immune systems [7]. Specific preexisting health conditions have exhibited a high correlation with subsequent pneumonia diagnosis: viral respiratory infections, heart disease, recent surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, sickle cell anemia, AIDS and cystic fibrosis [5,6,7,10]. Environmental factors, such as indoor air pollution and crowdedness, can also increase the risk of developing pneumonia [2].