12 Types of Lung Infection
The body's respiratory system includes the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi, and lungs. The body has two independent respiratory systems. The upper system brings air into your lungs and a lower system pumps air out of your lungs so you can speak and exhale. Harmful bacteria can infect any part of the respiratory system. When these germs find their way into your lungs, they can cause a lung infection. 80 different bacteria cause lung infections. The most common lung infection-causing bacteria are Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. (Source: NCBI)
Types of Lung Infection with Symptoms and Complications:
1. Flu
The virus causes the cells lining the passageways inside your nose and throat to produce more mucus than usual.
Flu Symptoms
- Decrease in the ability to breath
- Increase in mucus production causing congestion and coughing
- Fever, body aches, and general fatigue.
Complications in Flu:
Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Ear infection
2. Common Cold
The common cold is a mild viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. When you have a cold, it means that you have a minor viral infection in one part of your body.
Common Cold Symptoms:
Coughing, runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat
Complication in Common Cold:
Pneumonia
3. Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi (the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs). It can cause a productive or dry cough with phlegm (sputum), shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, and fatigue.
Bronchitis Symptoms:
- Cough with thick yellow or greenish phlegm
- Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
Complications in Bronchitis:
Pneumonia, Lung abscess
4. Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs that causes severe coughing spells. Whooping cough spreads very quickly from person to person through the air.
Whooping Cough Symptoms:
- Intermittent bouts of violent coughing followed by a high-pitched whoop as you try to breathe
- Runny nose and congestion
- Fatigue, Loss of appetite
Complication in Whooping Cough:
Pneumonia
5. Lung Abscess
A lung abscess is a localized lung infection that causes pus-filled pockets or cavities to form in the tissue of the lungs.
Lung Abscess Symptoms:
- Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
- Fever, coughing that gets worse at night or after lying down.
Complications in Lung Abscess:
6. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. This results in a high fever and a hacking cough as the lungs fill with fluid, so oxygen can't pass into the bloodstream.
Pneumonia, Pleurisy, Empyema
Pneumonia Symptoms:
- Fever
- Coughing up mucus
- Shortness of breath
Complications in Pneumonia:
Lung abscess, Pleurisy, Empyema
7. Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Coronavirus causes respiratory infections. It is a deadly virus that can affect any age group. It was named so because the viruses have a characteristic crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under an electron microscope.
COVID-19 Symptoms:
- Bluish skin colour due to lack of oxygen in the bloodstream
- Fever (usually high)
- Coughing and sneezing
- Sore throat
- Body aches and pains, fatigue, chills, and weakness
- Breathing problems such as shortness of breath
Complications in COVID-19:
Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Ear infection, Pleurisy
8. Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura, the thin membrane that covers each lung and lines the inside of the chest cavity. Pleurisy usually causes sharp chest pain that worsens when breathing in or coughing.
Pleurisy Symptoms:
- Sharp chest pain during breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath (with the more severe type)
- Fever and Chills
Complications in Pleurisy:
Pneumonia, Empyema
9. Empyema
An empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural space. An infection causes the pleura to inflate and fill with fluid. This leads to shortness of breath and pain in the chest and shoulder area.
Empyema Symptoms:
- Pain in the chest or shoulder
- Shortness of breath
- Fever and Chills
- Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
Complications in Empyema:
Pleurisy, Pneumothorax
10. Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax occurs when air collects in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. This results in the partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax Symptoms:
- Sharp chest pain during breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
Complications in Pneumothorax:
Pleurisy, Empyema, Pneumonia
11. SARS
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a potentially deadly viral respiratory disease that causes inflammation of the lungs. It may also affect other organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart.
SARS Symptoms:
- Fever that worsens over time
- Headache
- Weakness
Complications in SARS:
Lung abscess, Empyema
12. COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term for progressive lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and some forms of asthma.
COPD Symptoms:
- Chronic cough with sputum production
- Fatigue
- Chest discomfort or pain, especially when coughing or breathing deeply
Complication in COPD:
Lung cancer
Proper precautions and timely medication can prevent such diseases. You can consult a homeopathic doctor at Dr Batra’s®. He or she prescribes you homeopathic medicines which do not have side-effects. Homeopathic treatment for lung infections is the answer to all your questions. Our homeopathic treatment treats the root causes of lung infection. Our treatment boosts the immune system to fight against lung infection.
Homeopathy can be a safe and effective alternative to dangerous drugs. Natural remedies target the underlying cause of your lung infection. You won't experience any side-effects from homeopathic lung infection treatment! With no addictive steroids involved, there won’t be an issue when it comes time for withdrawal either. This makes it much easier on our bodies over long-term use. Take our lung health test to know your breathing capacity and lung volume!
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