To successfully treat and prevent recurrence of pneumonia we need to understand and — if possible — remove the underlying causes and risk factors. We need to ask: "What else is going on inside the body that might allow pneumonia to develop?"
Accurate diagnosis of the factors behind pneumonia consists of three steps:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Alcohol Consequences | 96% | Confirm |
Vitamin A Need | 22% | Unlikely |
Congestive Heart Failure | 15% | Unlikely |
Diabetes II | 0% | Ruled out |
Weakened Immune System | 0% | Ruled out |
Cigarette Smoke Damage | 0% | Ruled out |
Chronic Bronchitis | 0% | Ruled out |
Have you had Pneumonia?
Possible responses:
→ Never had it / don't know→ Probably/minor episode(s) now resolved → Major episode(s) now resolved → Current minor problem → Current major problem |
Vitamin A deficiency reduces the ability of the cells lining the lungs to remove disease-causing microorganisms, increasing risk of pneumonia.
Alcoholism is a risk factor for the development of pneumonia.
Smoking is a risk factor for the development of pneumonia.
Heart failure is a risk factor for the development of pneumonia.
Lung diseases – such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema – are risk factors for the development of pneumonia.
Diabetes is a risk factor for the development of pneumonia.
People whose immune systems are suppressed, such as those with AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, are more susceptible to pneumonia.