What Causes Pneumonia (Pnemonia)?
Pneumonia (Pnemonia) or commonly known as lung infection, is one of the respiratory system diseases caused by infection of the lower respiratory tract. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, but most cases are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus.
How Dangerous is Pneumonia?
The severity of pneumonia varies depending on the cause. Some cases may develop bloodstream infections, meningitis, or pneumococcal infections that require hospitalization and treatment.
“Pneumococcal infection can cause death even with appropriate antimicrobial treatment
or close medical care. Therefore, vaccination to preventpneumococcal disease is very important.”
Who is at Risk of Pneumonia?
Pneumonia can occur in anyone, but the risk increases with the following factors:
- People aged 60 years and older
- People who regularly consume alcohol or smoke
- People with chronic liver disease
- People with chronic heart failure
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- People with cancer or undergoing chemotherapy
- People infected with HIV and immunocompromised patients
- Certain patients who continuously use immunosuppressive drugs
- People with chronic underlying diseases who need to travel abroad
Prevent Pneumonia with “Vaccines”
The bacterium pneumococcus, the main cause of pneumonia, has more than 90 strains. Besides causing pneumonia, it can also cause meningitis and bloodstream infections. Vaccination helps improve disease prevention and reduce mortality rates, especially in patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart failure, chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, alcohol consumers, smokers, and the elderly.
Commonly Used Vaccines Today
- 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (Polysaccharide Vaccine, PPSV23) covers 23 strains of pneumococcal bacteria that cause most diseases, including drug-resistant strains.
- 13-valent conjugate vaccine (Conjugate Vaccine, PCV 13) covers 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria that cause most diseases.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
- People aged 19 and older with chronic underlying diseases preparing to travel abroad
- People aged 19-59 with diabetes, chronic heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic liver disease, or those who consume alcohol or smoke and have never been vaccinated against pneumococcus
- People aged 19-59 with immunodeficiency or patients without a spleen or with impaired spleen function
- Everyone aged 60 and older
Dr. Warasert Isaratham
Specialist in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism
Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Phyathai 1 Hospital
