Infection in Lungs: Types, Symptoms & Preventive Measures

Lung infection is a condition that occurs when a harmful microbe such as a virus or bacteria enters the lungs and causes damage. Lung infections can either be as severe as life-threatening infections, or they might be mild for some individuals. Although most lung infections are curable and most people recover from them, a few categories of people like older adults, infants, and people with a weak immune system might have trouble recovering.

Want to know more about infections in the lungs? Read along to know its types, symptoms, and preventive measures.

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What Are the Different Types of Lung Infections?

There are several types of lung infections, namely-

1. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is one of the most common lung infections, and it causes inflammation in the lungs. Fungi, bacteria, and different viruses all can cause pneumonia. This disease causes the alveoli of the lungs to swell, thus making it difficult for individuals to breathe.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia:

Weakness
Fever
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Low blood oxygen levels
Difficulty breathing

2. Tuberculosis

In many individuals, the TB bacteria live in their bodies themselves without causing any illness. However, in many cases, TB affects an individual's lungs and might also affect other areas of one's body.

A contagious bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the main cause of tuberculosis. However, if this bacterium enters other parts of an individual's body, it can give rise to additional symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of tuberculosis:

Coughing up blood
Fever or chills
A cough that might last for more than 3 weeks
Weakness
Chest pain

3. Influenza

Influenza is a type of lung infection that affects the lungs, throat, nose, and lungs. The air sacs of the lungs can be inflamed and damaged by severe cases of influenza, making it difficult for individuals to breathe.

The flu generally goes away on its own, however, infants, people with weak immune systems, older adults, and young children are likely to suffer from heavy breathing issues. Influenza can cause serious trouble in breathing for newborns, and it can result in hospitalisation.

Signs and symptoms of influenza:

Muscle ache
Headache
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Intense fatigue
High fever
Severe symptoms of cold which appear suddenly

4. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an infection formed in the bronchial tubes, which helps the lungs take in oxygen. This infection is similar to pneumonia, that is, it can either be bacterial or viral. In rare cases, an individual might develop bronchitis after they have another infection.

Signs and symptoms of bronchitis:

Chest pain
Fatigue
Fever
Coughing for several weeks after a cold
Wheezing or coughing

5. Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection common among young children and infants.

Although a vaccine can prevent this infection, a decrease in the rate of vaccination is increasing whooping cough cases.

Signs and symptoms of whooping cough:

Difficulty in breathing
An intense cough making a ‘whooping sound’
Gasping for air
Long coughing fits

What Are the Main Causes of Lung Infection?

Viruses and bacteria are the main cause of lung infections like bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. The most common bacteria and the virus responsible for this disease are:

Bacteria such as Chlamydia pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Bordetella pertussis are causes of lung infection bronchitis
Viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus are also responsible for bronchitis
Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common bacteria, apart from, Mycoplasma pneumonia and Haemophilus influenza and is what causes lung infection pneumonia.
Influenza virus and RSV are responsible for pneumonia
Apart from that, lung infections are also caused by fungi like Aspergillus, Histoplasma capsulatum and Pneumocystis jirovecii.

Who Is at Risk of Lung Infections?

Now that individuals know what are the symptoms of lung infections, it is important for them to know who is at risk too as well.

Individuals who are suffering from other chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease etc., are at risk of developing this infection.
People having a weak immune system due to an organ transplant, long-term steroid use, chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS.
Individuals who are prone to smoking or regularly consuming alcohol or are into drug abuse
Individuals who experience long exposure to air pollutants, secondhand smoke, toxic fumes

What Is the Recommended Treatment for Lung Infection?

The recommended treatment for lung infection varies according to the type of infection and the type of organism causing the infection. But there are some common therapies which can be used to treat most lung infections. They are-

Getting adequate rest
Drinking enough fluids
Using cool-mist vaporisers
Taking ibuprofen or Tylenol
Individuals who develop serious symptoms and have difficulty breathing due to their lung infection will need oxygen therapy.
Apart from that, antibiotics and steroids are also used to treat lung infections.

When to See a Doctor for a Lung Infection?

Individuals should visit a doctor if their cough lasts for more than three weeks. Apart from that, if individuals experience trouble breathing, they should immediately visit a doctor. In general, one can follow these guidelines according to their age group.

Infants

Individuals need to visit a doctor if their infant is-

Having a fever with a temperature exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and is less than 3 months old.
In case the infant is between 3 and 6 months old and has a temperature above 102 degrees Fahrenheit along with other symptoms like irritation and lethargy.
If the age of the infant is between 6 and 24 months, and he/she has a temperature over 102 degrees Fahrenheit for over 24 hours

Children

Individuals need to visit a doctor if their child/children show these symptoms-

Suffering from a fever for more than three days with a temperature above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Has poor immunity power or any serious medical illness
Has a tendency to vomit, have a serious headache, or is irritable

Adult

Adults need to visit a doctor if they see these symptoms in themselves-

Poor immunity power or has some serious medical illness
Has a fever with a temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Has chest pain, trouble breathing
Mental confusion
Hallucinations
Unusual skin rash
Stiff neck

How to Prevent Lung Infections?

Individuals cannot prevent all lung infections, but with the application of some safety measures, individuals can minimise their risk of getting one.

By avoiding smoking
By washing their hands at regular intervals
Avoiding being in crowded places where there are chances of spreading the virus is more.
Not touching their face or mouth unnecessarily.
Getting a flu shot every year to prevent influenza
Not sharing food, drinks or utensils with other people
For individuals at greater risk, they should get the PPSV23 pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and PCV13 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine

That is all individuals need to know about lung infections. In case anyone is experiencing similar symptoms, they should immediately visit a doctor. Leaving lung infections untreated can become fatal and risky.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How long does it take to recover from lung infections?

A healthy person with good immunity power will recover within one to three weeks from a lung infection. However, anyone with weakened immunity power will require more time to recover.

Name some ways doctors diagnose a lung infection.

Doctors diagnose a lung infection by chest X-Ray or CT scan, or by imaging or spirometry.