There are various causes that can give rise to lung infections
causing pain and discomfort, thereby also affecting our day-to-day
lives. If neglected, lung infections may pose severe complications. The
condition may be experienced due to the presence of microorganisms, like
bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lungs.
Given below is an overview of the signs and symptoms of lung infection caused by various microbial agents along with certain helpful remedies to stub the root of the infection.
Given below is an overview of the signs and symptoms of lung infection caused by various microbial agents along with certain helpful remedies to stub the root of the infection.
What Is a Lung Infection?
☛ Lung infection is generally referred to as lower respiratory
tract infection. This term is synonymous with pneumonia. Lung infections
tend to make the individual feel extremely weak, straining the
patient's overall health as well. There are two types of infections of
the lungs: (1) Chronic; and (2) Acute. The most common infections of the
lungs include pneumonia and bronchitis.
When one develops bronchitis, it can be in an acute form occurring due to a bacterial, or viral infection. It is mostly a viral infection, and hence, antibiotic therapy is not of much use. Pneumonia, on the other hand, can occur due to a variety of factors. It can either be community-acquired infection, or a nosocomial infection. It, generally affects immunocompromised individuals, like children, the elderly, pregnant women, etc. The main causative agent of pneumonia is the bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae.
When one develops bronchitis, it can be in an acute form occurring due to a bacterial, or viral infection. It is mostly a viral infection, and hence, antibiotic therapy is not of much use. Pneumonia, on the other hand, can occur due to a variety of factors. It can either be community-acquired infection, or a nosocomial infection. It, generally affects immunocompromised individuals, like children, the elderly, pregnant women, etc. The main causative agent of pneumonia is the bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Predominant Symptoms
☛ Bacterial Lung Infection
This infection is caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) -- a strain of Staphylococcus bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. It is very common in patients, who are hospitalized. The most commonly observed symptom of bacterial lung infection is inflammation. In the affected region, the local cells release histamine, which gives rise to inflammation. This can further cause production of mucus, increase in the flow of blood, and swelling, too. Irritation of the skin is also one of the symptoms of bacterial lung infection.
MRSA lung infection causes the skin to appear dry, red, irritated, swollen, and itchy. Some people might also suffer from skin infection where pimple-like bumps filled with pus may appear on the skin. It is contagious and can spread through skin contact. Along with the symptoms mentioned above, one might also suffer from chills, fever, and cough. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and body ache is also experienced by people suffering from the condition. In severe cases, individuals may suffer from urinary tract infection as well.
This infection is caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) -- a strain of Staphylococcus bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. It is very common in patients, who are hospitalized. The most commonly observed symptom of bacterial lung infection is inflammation. In the affected region, the local cells release histamine, which gives rise to inflammation. This can further cause production of mucus, increase in the flow of blood, and swelling, too. Irritation of the skin is also one of the symptoms of bacterial lung infection.
MRSA lung infection causes the skin to appear dry, red, irritated, swollen, and itchy. Some people might also suffer from skin infection where pimple-like bumps filled with pus may appear on the skin. It is contagious and can spread through skin contact. Along with the symptoms mentioned above, one might also suffer from chills, fever, and cough. Shortness of breath, fatigue, and body ache is also experienced by people suffering from the condition. In severe cases, individuals may suffer from urinary tract infection as well.
☛ Viral Lung Infection
Some commonly observed, not-so-severe symptoms of viral lung infection are cough, runny nose, sore throat, mild fever, and in rare cases, ear infection. Labored breathing, dehydration, and wheezing are other complaints registered by patients, who endure this condition. In serious cases, the nails and lips tend to become blue.
Some commonly observed, not-so-severe symptoms of viral lung infection are cough, runny nose, sore throat, mild fever, and in rare cases, ear infection. Labored breathing, dehydration, and wheezing are other complaints registered by patients, who endure this condition. In serious cases, the nails and lips tend to become blue.
☛ Candida Lung Infection
Candida lung infection can cause the development of flu and pneumonia-like symptoms in the infected person. Some of the symptoms of candida lung infection are cold, cough, and fatigue. Sometimes, mucus is discharged while coughing. Some people may also experience muscular pain due to candida infection. Along with these, headache, shortness of breath, and runny nose may also be observed.
Candida lung infection can cause the development of flu and pneumonia-like symptoms in the infected person. Some of the symptoms of candida lung infection are cold, cough, and fatigue. Sometimes, mucus is discharged while coughing. Some people may also experience muscular pain due to candida infection. Along with these, headache, shortness of breath, and runny nose may also be observed.
☛ Other Noted Symptoms
Signs of lung infection that call for a doctor's attention are as follows:
- Fever
- Extreme shortness of breath
- Dry cough; in some cases, productive cough
- Change in color, thickness, and stickiness of mucus produced
- Tightness, pressure, and pain in chest that worsens when one breathes deeply, or coughs
What You Can Do
» Using humidifiers is an effective way to combat the symptoms of a
lung infection. Warm, misty air emitted by the humidifier helps in
loosening the sputum, thereby helping the body cope with the infection
better.
» A hot bath, or indulging in a warm soak helps the body to recover soon. Besides, a steam enhanced with a drizzle of eucalyptus oil helps clear the blockage and aids to you breathe normally.
» A hot compress is also helpful in eliminating the sputum by loosening it, thereby helping one to get rid of the congestion.
» Drink warm water. Besides loosening the sputum buildup, it also aids in relieving the respiratory tract. Herbal teas and clear soups serve the purpose, too.
» Garlic is one home remedy that a lot of people swear by. Mashing a clove of garlic and draining it down with a glass of water before going off to bed, perhaps is the most effective panacea to deal with an infection.
» Another remedy siphoned from the spice jar is the use of pepper, cloves, and ginger. Ginger powder mixed with finely grounded pepper and cloves may be consumed on a regular basis to fight the infection. Besides, a few drops of ginger juice extracted from its pulp added to honey makes for an effective syrup; it ought to be consumed before bedtime for an undisturbed sleep.
» Stop smoking, if you haven't. It will help you get better, sooner.
» Bask in ample rest. Your body may feel exhausted as it may have used up all its reserves to get the system back on track. Rest helps replenish your reserves.
» Breathe right. Deep breathing exercises work well to improve the blood flow. Abdominal breathing prevents the lungs from infection. Besides, it relaxes the body, mind and soul, creating a systemic equilibrium.
» Avoid lifting heavy weights, or objects. Doing so, would lead to unnecessary straining of the chest, resulting in pain and discomfort.
» A hot bath, or indulging in a warm soak helps the body to recover soon. Besides, a steam enhanced with a drizzle of eucalyptus oil helps clear the blockage and aids to you breathe normally.
» A hot compress is also helpful in eliminating the sputum by loosening it, thereby helping one to get rid of the congestion.
» Drink warm water. Besides loosening the sputum buildup, it also aids in relieving the respiratory tract. Herbal teas and clear soups serve the purpose, too.
» Garlic is one home remedy that a lot of people swear by. Mashing a clove of garlic and draining it down with a glass of water before going off to bed, perhaps is the most effective panacea to deal with an infection.
» Another remedy siphoned from the spice jar is the use of pepper, cloves, and ginger. Ginger powder mixed with finely grounded pepper and cloves may be consumed on a regular basis to fight the infection. Besides, a few drops of ginger juice extracted from its pulp added to honey makes for an effective syrup; it ought to be consumed before bedtime for an undisturbed sleep.
» Stop smoking, if you haven't. It will help you get better, sooner.
» Bask in ample rest. Your body may feel exhausted as it may have used up all its reserves to get the system back on track. Rest helps replenish your reserves.
» Breathe right. Deep breathing exercises work well to improve the blood flow. Abdominal breathing prevents the lungs from infection. Besides, it relaxes the body, mind and soul, creating a systemic equilibrium.
» Avoid lifting heavy weights, or objects. Doing so, would lead to unnecessary straining of the chest, resulting in pain and discomfort.
It is advised that you seek medical aid without any delay,
especially when home remedies are not working as expected in your case.
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