Route of Transmission of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is frequently categorized by cough, sneezing, runny nose and other upper respiratory symptoms.

The infection is transmitted from person to person through a sneeze or a cough when small droplets containing the pathogens are discharged into the air. Inhalation of these fine droplets with the pathogens by any person results in the person getting infected.

Apart from this mode of transmission, pneumonia can be caused by the entry of bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, throat or nose inadvertently into the lung.

It happens in some conditions like during sleep, when some people aspirate secretions from the mouth, throat or nose, during vomiting  the person gasps for air sucking the vomitus into the lungs.

Normally, the body has a very good reflex response where secretions are generally not allowed to enter the lungs. As soon as any foreign particle enters the lung space, the cough reflex is initiated to discharge that particle.

Also, the immune system will prevent the aspirated organisms from causing pneumonia. However, if a person is in a weakened condition from another illness, a severe pneumonia can develop.

People with recent viral infections, children and people in their old age, immunocompromised people are more prone to get pneumonia than the general population. The organisms enter the lungs and multiply rapidly. Depending on the organism and the area of infiltration, it can develop into lobar or segmental pneumonia.

Next page: Classification of Pneumonia

Written by :Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: March 26, 2012