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Dr. Aditya Shah
Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView more
Lung Infections are one of the major health issues around the world. As per research, it has been found that the growing air pollution is putting us at a greater risk of such health issues. L: Numerous infections have no bar on age and sex and may infect anyone at any time.
Some lung infections may be as mild as a cold and cough, but others can be so severe that it may even cost your life like lung cancer.
It is thus a better idea if you know about a few common lung infections, and their different types, causes, and symptoms. This blog aims to give you an overall idea about this.
Lung Infections- What Is It?
As the name suggests, these forms of infections occur inside the lungs. Often the small microbial harmful bacteria and viruses are responsible for causing the issue. One of the major symptoms that you get with any form of lung infection is inflammation, which may occur in the lungs or any other part of the respiratory system, such as the nose, windpipe, and the bronchi.
Inside the lungs, it can affect alveoli, which are the small ends of the bronchi tubes that are responsible for delivering oxygen to the blood.
Even though lung infections can occur in people at any age, studies show that it is always those who have weaker immune systems and the ones with severe health conditions who are the most affected.
Types Of Lung Infections
As we have said above, lung infections can be of different types based on the area they have affected, the type of microorganism that is responsible for the infection, and the symptoms they causes.
Let us give you a brief idea about some of the most common lung infections possible-
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Bacterial And Viral Lung Infections |
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| ➯ Pneumonia | It is a form of lung infection that affects the air sacs inside the lungs also known as the alveoli.
Caused by viruses, bacteria, and even some fungi, some of the common issues that you will have been fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. |
| ➯ Bronchitis | This is a form of inflammation issue that affects the bronchi the tubes carrying air from the windpipe into the lungs.
As per studies, it is mostly a form of viral infection, but it may also happen in people who have smoking addiction. |
| ➯ TB | TB or tuberculosis, one of the most common bacterial disorders affects the lungs.
The more severe problem with this infection is the risk of spreading to other areas of the body. |
| ➯ Influenza | This is a form of lung infection that is also a viral infection. Studies show that all the people vulnerable to this infection are children since they have less developed immunity or the ones who are suffering from other respiratory disorders. |
Fungal Lung Infections
There are a few lung infections that may occur because of certain fungi. Some of the most common fungal lung infections are-
- Aspergillosis
- Histoplasmosis
As per studies, it occurs mostly in people who live in highly contaminated environments.
Parasitic Lung Infections
It is rare to have parasitic infections in the lungs but still, there are chances. It is estimated that around the world less than 1% of the total population who have any form of lung infection have it because of some parasites. Scientists believe that it often transmits within us with the intake of contaminated food and water.
Lung Infection Symptoms
Different types of symptoms may occur in lung infections. One symptom may occur in more than one type of lung infection. The doctors will be able to shortlist the type of lung infection based on the symptoms but may not be 100% sure.
Here are some common issues-
➯ Respiratory Issues
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
➯ Other Symptoms In The Body
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain and body cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Headache
➯ Mucus Signs
- The color of mucus changes into yellow, green, or even blood
- Excess and sticky mucus production
Causes Of Lung Infections
As we told you above, in 90% of the cases the blame is put on those harmful microbes and small organisms that are not even visible to the naked eye. It is the different harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that are responsible for such infections.
However, other than this it is possible to suffer from lung infections when we inhale different forms of poisonous and toxic items such as chemicals, and harmful fumes that irritate the lungs. As per studies, these toxins can change and mutate the DNA inside lung cells, that may cause lung cancer.
Final Thoughts
Therefore, we hope that now you have a complete idea about the different types of infections that can occur and affect our lungs. In case it is a bacterial infection, get to the doctor to take suitable antibiotics or any other suitable remedy that the doctors think of.
FAQs
Q. Can An Organ Transplant Make You Vulnerable To A Lung Infection?
Such chances are rare, but it is possible to end up with a lung infection.
Q. Is Alcohol Consumption A Risk Of Lung Infection?
While alcohol damages the stomach, intestines, and heart, recent studies have shown that it can be very damaging to the lungs too.
Q. Is Asthma A Form Of Lung Infection?
Well, to say, asthma does not affect primarily the lungs, but the entire airways. The difficulty you have in breathing starts with the mucus formation that jams the airways.
Q. Are Changes In Season A Risk Of Lung Infection?
Yes, frequent weather and climate changes may have a risk of causing different forms of lung or respiratory issues.
Q. Can You Tell Me Some Common Methods Of Lung Infection Diagnosis?
The doctors generally do MRI scans, chest X-rays, and PFTs to find out the possibility of a lung infection.
Q. Using A Nebulizer Is A Remedy For Which Sort Of Lung Infections?
Nebulizers or inhalers are a common method to cure asthma, bronchitis, COPD, and other lung infections.