Lung Infections

The lungs are a pair of air-filled sacs in your chest that help you breathe. Your lungs can be infected by viruses, bacteria or fungi. Pneumonia and Tuberculosis are common examples of lung infections.

Some lung infections may go away on their own, without any need to use medicines while others may be life-threatening.

The symptoms you may develop when you have a lung infection may be mild from the beginning. However, the symptoms may get worse over time if you do not treat the infection:

• You may have a cough that produces thick mucus or non at all.
• You may experience sharp chest pain that becomes more painful when you cough.
• You may have a fever, and you may also begin to sweat a lot.
• You may find it difficult to breathe well.
• You may have a runny nose.

Infections in the lungs are typically caused by a virus (like the respiratory syncytial virus that causes bronchitis) or bacteria (like the Streptococcus pneumonia that causes pneumonia). In rare events, lung infections can be caused by a fungus (like an Aspergillus sp. infection in people living with HIV or people taking chemotherapy).

If you have one or more of these risk factors, your chances of getting lung infection increases:

• If your body’s immune system is not working properly, your risk will be higher than for others. Like in HIV/AIDS patients, some types of cancers, malnutrition or hepatitis.
• If you are exposed to a lot of dust where you work, the air may sometimes carry contaminants like viruses or bacteria. Use adequate protective clothing like face masks suitable to remove the dust particles and some of the bacteria or viruses.
• If you smoke often.
• If you have any other diseases that affect your lungs.

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you should go to the healthcare centre immediately:

• If you have a fever.
• If you have been coughing for more than three weeks.
• If you have diseases that affect your body’s immune system (like HIV/AIDS).
• If you have trouble breathing.
• If you have a persistent runny nose and cold (usually for more than 2 weeks).

You cannot prevent all lung infections, but you can minimize your risk through practising personal hygiene (especially handwashing with soap), avoid touching your face or mouth, avoid sharing utensils, food, or drinks with other people, staying physically distanced from other people in a crowd outside or wear a mask in a crowded place inside, and quit smoking.

If your immunity is low, you can get vaccinated to protect you from pneumonia.

Selfcare Tips

• You should practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly.
• You should rest well and drink a lot of warm liquids such as tea.
• Cough expectorants that loosen mucus or menthol drops may help relieve distressful coughing.
• Inhaling steam from a tub or bath can also help by breaking down thick mucus.
• You can take paracetamol to relieve your pain and discomfort.

Treatment Options

• Your healthcare provider may recommend antibiotics if the infection is caused by bacteria.
• Your healthcare provider may also give you drugs that will take care of your cough and other symptoms.

Lung infections cause symptoms similar to the common cold. They can resolve on their own but they can also become serious if not treated. Most people recover without any long-term complications. Continue to use your medications. You can also try some of our self-care recommendations.