Abstract

UNMASKING THE RISK FACTORS FOR PNEUMONIA IN ADULT POPULATIONS

Sneha Susan Sunny*, Shreyas G., Yahyas Paloth, Mahadevamma Lingaiah and Swathi Ramesh

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Inflammation of the lung parenchyma is referred to as pneumonia. The likelihood of infection rises as a result of pneumonia risk factors. Around the world, it is a significant source of mortality and morbidity. Objective: To assess risk factors for pneumonia in the adult population. Methodology: This was a prospective and descriptive study in which 164 subjects were enrolled based on the criteria in Sagar Hospital and was assessed and evaluated by suitable statistical method. Results: The study found a higher prevalence of males (70.1%) compared to females, and a significant number of patients were identified in the age group of 60-65 years. Commonly observed risk factors included smoking (47.0%), alcoholism (46.9%), and the age group of 60-65 years (47.0%). The selected variables foranalysis comprised TLC, PaO2, PaCO2, and ESR, as these parameters are likely to exhibit abnormalities in cases of pneumonia. The predominant respiratory pathogen isolated was Streptococcus pneumoniae (41.5%), and the most frequently prescribed treatment regimen for patients involved a combination of beta-lactam antibiotics with fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tetracyclines or carbapenems. Conclusion: The study concluded that understanding risk factors has helped to identify individuals who have more chance of developing the disease and reduce pneumonia-related morbidity and mortality rates by administering with appropriate antimicrobial regimen and counseling the patient, regarding lifestyle modification, dietary approaches and other precautions to be taken. This study provides valuable laboratory data to monitor the status of antimicrobial usage among respiratory pathogens and improve treatment recommendations in a hospital.

Keywords: Pneumonia, Risk factors, PaO2, ESR.