Pneumonia is a lung infection than causes serious lung inflammation. The infection may be bacterial, viral or fungal. Pneumonia can be lethal in some cases. Bronchitis is also a condition characterized by lung inflammation. Bronchitis sometimes occurs after a common cold. Both pneumonia and bronchitis may be recurrent in some people with other health conditions or undesirable environmental factors such as pollution and smoking.
GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause both bronchitis and pneumonia to occur often. GERD causes stomach acids to reflux into the esophagus. Sometimes the acid is also aspirated into the trachea, which can lead to illness.
Weakened Immune System
Having a secondary condition characterized by a weakened immune system may make individuals more susceptible to both bronchitis and pneumonia infections. Such conditions include luekemia, AIDS, lupus, sclerderma, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Cigarette Smoke
Exposure to first- and second-hand smoke can cause recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia.
Occupational Fumes and Dusts
Some workers who are continually exposed to fumes and dusts will repeatedly suffer from bronchitis and pneumonia as a result.
Treatment
Antibiotics will sometimes help bronchitis if is resulted from a bacterial infection. However, viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed for pneumonia.
Tags: bronchitis pneumonia, both bronchitis, both bronchitis pneumonia, condition characterized, lung inflammation