Chest congestion, difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and fever are the result.
Most lung infections are treatable with antibiotics or antivirals, and mild infections often resolve on their own.
In some cases, though, lung infections can be severe and lead to hospitalization and even death.
Verywell / Shideh Ghandeharizadeh
This article explains the types of lung infections.
It discusses the different symptoms, causes, and treatments for lung infections and when to see a doctor.
The Flu
Seasonalinfluenzaor “the flu"is one of the most common lung infections.
That’s why the flu is very contagious.
For most healthy adults, it drops down to three to four colds per year.
For example, some viruses can cause bronchitis and pneumonia.
Bronchitis is most commonly triggered by a viral infection.
In 1% to 10% of cases, a bacterial infection is the cause.
That said, most children do not need to be hospitalized if they get sick with it.
Enterovirus
Non-polioenterovirusesare a group of common viruses that can cause lung infections.
Croup
Croupaffects the structures above the lungs (larynxand trachea) but can also involve the bronchi.
It is more common in children.
About a fourth of babies and young children who get whooping cough will develop pneumonia.
Less commonly (0.3%), complications of whooping cough such asencephalitismay occur.
Could a Lung Infection Be Whooping Cough?
It is because of a bacteria calledMycobacterium tuberculosis.
However, people with lung infections from any cause may need medical treatment if they have severe symptoms.
Lung infections triggered by a virus cannot be treated with antibiotics.
The antibiotic that will be used will depend on which bacteria is causing the infection.
Once they know which bacteria is the cause of the infection, they might change the antibiotic.
The timing is also important.
For example, with pneumonia, antibiotics need to be started as soon as possible.
Parasitic lung infections are treated with anti-parasitic medications.
The medication chosen will depend on the parasite that’s causing the infection.
Over time smoking destroys lung tissue and makes you more susceptible to lung infections and chronic bronchitis.
You should also avoid indoor and outdoor air pollutants that can harm your lungs.
Build Immunity
Keeping your immune system strong can help to prevent lung infections.
Acute
Some of the acute complications of lung infections are breathing problems.
For example, viral lung infections can trigger an asthma attack in patients who have asthma.
Chronic
Some effects of a lung infection don’t go away when a person gets better.
Lung infections can affect different parts of the respiratory tract.
They can cause mild to severe symptoms and illness.
The treatment for lung infections depends on what is causing it and how sick a person is.
If you have symptoms of a lung infection, tell your provider.
If you need medical treatment like antibiotics, your provider can prescribe them for you.
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