Covid: ‘Three times’ more deaths than flu and pneumonia
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Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia alongside having any of these two conditions.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) often causes spleen damage and other immune system problems making those with the condition more prone to experiencing complications from infections.
People with SCD have a higher risk of infection from certain types of bacteria.
Cystic fibrosis sufferers experience thick mucus in their lungs and sinuses providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
People with cystic fibrosis may often have sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder.
It is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Normally, the flexible, round red blood cells move easily through blood vessels.
In sickle cell anaemia, the red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons.
These rigid, sticky cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body.
Symptoms of sickle cell disease include:
Anaemia
Episodes of pain
Swelling of hands and feet
Frequent infections
Delayed growth or puberty
Vision problems.
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The health site added: “Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices.
“These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery.
“But in people with CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick.
“Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.”
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis includes:
- A persistent cough that produces thick mucus (sputum)
- Wheezing
- Exercise intolerance
- Repeated lung infections
- Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose
- Recurrent sinusitis
- Foul-smelling, greasy stools
- Poor weight gain and growth
- Intestinal blockage, particularly in new-borns.
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