Your lungs are two spongy organs located in your chest. Their main function is to supply oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide through the process of breathing. Lung infections, also called pneumonia, occur when bacteria, viruses, or fungi invade the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid buildup. Pneumonia is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment with antibiotics or antivirals. Knowing the signs and symptoms of lung infections can help you determine if your lungs are infected and seek appropriate medical care. This article provides an overview of the common causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for lung infections.
What causes lung infections?
There are several possible causes of lung infections:
Bacteria
Bacterial pneumonia is one of the most common types of pneumonia. Bacteria that frequently cause pneumonia include:
– Streptococcus pneumoniae
– Haemophilus influenzae
– Staphylococcus aureus
– Klebsiella pneumoniae
– Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Bacterial pneumonia often follows upper respiratory infections like the cold or flu. The coughing and sneezing associated with these viruses can spread bacteria from the nose and throat into the lungs.
Viruses
Viruses are a common cause of pneumonia, especially in infants, young children, and older adults. Viral pneumonia frequently accompanies influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. Other viruses that can lead to pneumonia include:
– Rhinovirus
– Coronavirus
– Adenovirus
– Parainfluenza
Fungi
Fungal pneumonia is rare but can affect people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or who are undergoing cancer treatment. Pneumocystis jirovecii is a type of fungus that causes PCP pneumonia, previously known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Other fungi that can cause pneumonia include:
– Histoplasma capsulatum
– Coccidioides immitis
– Blastomyces dermatitidis
Who is at risk for lung infections?
Certain factors put you at increased risk for developing pneumonia and other lung infections:
Age
The very young and very old are more susceptible to pneumonia. Infants and young children have immature immune systems. Adults over age 65 have weaker immune systems and often have other underlying medical conditions.
Smoking
Smoking damages the lungs’ natural defenses against infection. Both current and former smokers are at higher risk for pneumonia.
Chronic diseases
People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and cancer are more prone to lung infections.
Weakened immunity
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy for cancer, chronic steroid use, or organ transplantation have increased pneumonia risk.
Hospitalization
People in the hospital or a nursing home, especially those using ventilators, are more likely to develop healthcare-associated pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of lung infections?
Pneumonia symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on factors like the type of germ causing the infection and the person’s age and overall health. Common signs and symptoms of pneumonia include:
Cough
Coughing up mucus is often the first symptom of pneumonia. The cough may start out dry before producing thicker phlegm or sputum. Coughing may worsen with deep breathing.
Fever and chills
A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) frequently accompanies pneumonia. Chills or sweating may also occur.
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing or fast, shallow breathing develops as pneumonia progresses. You may feel like you can’t catch your breath.
Chest pain
Sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing may signal pneumonia. The pain results from inflammation of the lung’s lining.
Fatigue and weakness
Pneumonia often causes extreme fatigue, low energy, and weakness. The infection makes your body work harder to get enough oxygen.
Loss of appetite
Appetite loss is common with pneumonia. The combination of fatigue, weakness, and poor appetite may lead to weight loss.
Confusion
Confusion and changes in mental awareness can occur in severe cases. This results from a lack of oxygen to the brain.
Other symptoms
Other possible signs of pneumonia include:
– Headache
– Sweating and clammy skin
– Muscle pain
– Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Doctors use a combination of medical history, physical exam, imaging tests, and laboratory tests to diagnose pneumonia:
Medical history
Information about your symptoms, underlying conditions, and recent illnesses aids in diagnosing pneumonia. Your doctor will want to know if you have a chronic lung condition like COPD that predisposes you to pneumonia.
Physical exam
By listening to your lungs with a stethoscope, your doctor can detect abnormal bubbling, crackling, or rumbling sounds that signal pneumonia. Otherexam findings include a rapid heart rate and low blood pressure.
Chest X-ray
This is the most common test to confirm pneumonia and locate the infection in the lungs. Chest CT scans provide more detailed lung images if the diagnosis remains uncertain.
Pulse oximetry
This simple test measures oxygen saturation in your blood using a finger clip device. Low oxygen levels often occur with pneumonia.
Sputum test
Coughing up thick sputum and having it analyzed identifies the organism causing the lung infection.
Blood tests
Blood tests look for high white blood cell count indicating infection. Blood cultures help pinpoint bacterial pneumonia.
How is pneumonia treated?
Pneumonia treatment depends on the type of germ causing the infection, severity of symptoms, and your risk factors. Options may include:
Antibiotics
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics that target the most likely culprits. Amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, and levofloxacin are commonly prescribed. You may receive IV antibiotics in the hospital.
Antivirals
Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) help treat viral pneumonia such as flu and COVID-19. Most people recover without antivirals.
Antifungals
Fungal pneumonia is treated with antifungals like fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, or amphotericin B given orally or intravenously.
Oxygen therapy
If your oxygen level is low, you may receive oxygen through a nasal cannula, mask, or ventilator. Oxygen helps relieve shortness of breath.
Cough medicine
Cough suppressants, expectorants, and inhaled bronchodilators make coughs more productive and less frequent.
IV fluids
Dehydration is common with pneumonia. You may need intravenous fluids to prevent low blood pressure and kidney problems.
Rest
Your body needs extra rest to fight off pneumonia. Avoiding strenuous activity helps recovery.
Most healthy people improve quickly with proper pneumonia treatment. Seek emergency care if your symptoms don’t get better with treatment. Call 911 immediately for severe shortness of breath, high fever, or confusion.
Conclusion
Lung infections like pneumonia require swift medical care. Know the common pneumonia causes, risk factors, telltale symptoms, and treatment options. See your doctor right away if you experience persistent coughing, fever, fatigue, and trouble breathing to determine if your lungs are infected and get appropriate care. Prompt pneumonia treatment can prevent serious complications and help you recover faster. Pay attention to your body and contact your doctor if your respiratory symptoms are new, persistent, or worsening.