Risk Factors And Causes Of Melioidosis

Chronic Lung Disease

Individuals with chronic lung disease are at risk for attack by the bacteria that cause melioidosis. Chronic lung diseases include emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, and bronchiectasis. All of these diseases make breathing difficult and make it hard for the patient to clear infections from their respiratory system. In emphysema, the tiny sacs in the lungs called alveoli are damaged and enlarged and do not exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide well. Asthma occurs when the flow of air in and out of the lungs is blocked. This happens when the airways become inflamed, tighten, and produce too much mucus. In bronchitis, the mucous lining of the bronchi, which are airways to the lungs, are inflamed. Chronic bronchitis often occurs with emphysema. In bronchiectasis, the airways are damaged and abnormally wide, which leaves them vulnerable to recurrent infections. Bronchiectasis begins in childhood, but many individuals don't have symptoms until they are grown.