Pneumonia in old age
The inflammatory process in the lung tissue is caused by the action of microbes or viruses. Disease-causing microorganisms enter the lungs, usually through airways. Pneumonia develops, as a rule, against the weakening of the defenses of the body as a result of overwork, nervous shock, trauma, various diseases and especially hypothermia. Inflammation of the lungs can be preceded by influenza or catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, as well as a prolonged stay on bed, which contributes to the development of stagnant phenomena in the lungs.
The role of nasopharynx, trachea, and bronchi is important in protecting lungs from microbes. Slime, secreted by special cells of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, dust particles and microbes suspended in the air are enveloped. The cilia of the epithelium, lining the bronchi, move the lumps of mucus towards the pharynx with ciliary movements. Removing them contribute to rhythmic contractions( peristalsis) of the muscular membrane of the bronchi. A protective reaction of the body is also a cough.
