Lung-related diseases have increased significantly in the last two decades. Due to many types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi, the risk of lung infection is also being seen more, in serious situations, it can also have life-threatening side effects. Lung infection can occur due to the common cold and other upper respiratory diseases. Health experts say any type of infection should be taken seriously, more vigilance is needed in the case of lungs.
Doctors say, most lung infections can be cured with antibiotics or antivirals, although in some cases there is also a risk of hospitalization and serious complications. People of any age, from children to the elderly, can fall victim to lung infection.
World Lung Day is celebrated every year on 25 September to raise awareness about lung health and the prevention of diseases related to it. Let us understand the causes of lung infection and its prevention.
What do experts say?
Talking to Amar Ujala, Dr. Amit Prakash, a respiratory disease specialist in Pune, says that lung infection, irrespective of its type or cause, can increase complications for you. Therefore, it is important to identify its symptoms and get proper treatment in time.
Coughing too much or for a long time is considered to be the most common sign of lung infection.
Sputum may also come in it. Our body forms a layer of mucus to protect the tissues from infection and help prevent infection. Mucus formation means that you have become a victim of infection or allergy.
Wheezing while exhaling, and sound while breathing are also considered a sign of lung problems.
Lung infection due to flu
Seasonal influenza or flu is one of the most common lung infections. Influenza virus spreads through droplets released by sneezing and coughing. This infection increases significantly with the change of seasons. Influenza virus is considered to be the most prominent cause of pneumonia infection, which is a problem affecting the lungs.
Flu can cause problems like sore throat, runny nose, fever, chills, body pain, cough and fatigue. If this infection is not getting cured, then one should be careful.
Risk of pneumonia in children and the elderly
Pneumonia is the most common lung infection in children and the elderly. It causes inflammation in the air sacs present in one or both lungs. The air sacs get filled with fluid or pus, which causes problems like cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing. Many types of pathogens including bacteria and viruses can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia is considered a serious disease. Although it can be easily treated at home with some medicines, it can also be fatal in some people. Therefore, timely and correct medical advice is necessary.
Tuberculosis infection
Tuberculosis or TB is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is one of the most serious infections of the lungs. People with TB disease can spread the infection to others nearby through droplets emitted when they cough or sneeze. Chronic cough and cough with blood in the sputum are signs of TB. The infection can also spread to other parts of the body.
India is working towards the goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) by the year 2025.
(PC: ISTOCK)
