Question

A. Explain SIX (6) risk factors of pneumonia.

Answer 1

Six risk factors of pneumonia include

1. Smoking:

Person with smoking has high risk for developing pneumonia. If a person quit smoking,the risk will gradually return to normal. Children of smoking parents have high risk for pneumonia.

2. Age: it is a uncontrollable risk factor. Risk increasing with age. Person above 65 years of age have higher risk to develop pneumonia than younger peoples

3. Hospital stay:

Hospital admitted peoples have relatively high risk for developing pneumonia other than nonhospital admitted peoples. The risk is higher with those who have underwent major surgeries recently and who were on ventilator.

4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD causes blocked airway and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia with COPD causes chills,high fever

5. Condition that weaken immune system: History of organ transplant, cancer(like leukemia), AIDS, immunosuppressive drug, chemotherapy causes increased risk for pneumonia.

6. Condition interfering with gag reflex: conditions like stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis can increase the risk of developing pneumonia.