WHAT CAUSES LUNG INFECTIONS?
A lung infection can be caused by a bacteria, virus or a fungus and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. A common type of lung infection is pneumonia, which causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. Bronchitis, most often caused by a viral infection, attacks the airway leading to the lungs. Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection that occurs in infants and small children. Usually caused by a virus, bronchiolitis causes inflammation and congestion in the bronchioles. An upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold, may sometimes develop into a secondary infection of bronchitis or pneumonia.
SYMPTOMS OF LUNG INFECTION
The symptoms of lung infection can range from mild to severe. The most common symptom of a lung infection is usually a cough. Coughing is the body’s natural response to inflammation in the airway. A cough can be productive with a range of clear to greenish-yellow mucus. A cough can often linger for several weeks.
Other lung infection symptoms:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Wheezing
Fever
Fatigue
Crackling or rattling sound in lungs
LUNG INFECTION DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
If you are experiencing symptoms of a lung infection, it is important to see your physician for a diagnosis so you can begin treatment and start feeling better. Lung infections can be diagnosed by a physical examination and/or a chest x-ray. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor will have several modalities of treatment to offer including: medications and breathing treatments. There are numerous home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms.
Lung infection home remedies:
Getting plenty of rest
Staying hydrated
Using a humidifier to help decrease coughing
Over the counter decongestants
Drinking warm fluids with honey
HOW THE FLU SHOT CAN HELP
A lung infection can be serious for infants and elderly people. As recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) it is important to get a seasonal flu vaccination. Not only will the seasonal flu vaccination protect you from the flu, it will also help prevent complications of the flu. There are also immunizations that protect against certain strains of pneumonia which are recommended for adults over the age of 65 and included in the infant vaccination schedule.
