Warning signs of lung infection and ways you can treat i
Lung infections can cause mild to severe health problems
Our respiratory health can be affected by many factors. Post-Diwali, given that the air quality in the country has dropped down considerably, our lungs are bound to suffer. Doctors and medical professionals are concerned about the acute rise in the number of people suffering with chest pain and breathing issues.
To top it off, lung infections can also take a serious toll on a person. Caused by a virus, bacteria, and sometimes even a fungus, one of the most common types of lung infection is pneumonia, which can go from mild to life-threatening problems. That said, it is extremely crucial to know all about the signs and symptoms of a lung infection and figure out ways to treat it immediately.
Persistent cough with thick mucus can be a sign of lung infection
A person dealing with a lung infection may cough persistently, helping him or her get rid of the mucus produced from inflammation of the airways and lungs. Respiratory illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia may trigger coughing that may be accompanied with thick mucus ranging from clear, yellowish-grey, green, white colour. Sometimes, the mucus may carry blood. This type of cough may continue for many weeks.
Shortness of breath and heavy chest pain can cause distress
Shortness of breath means when you find it difficult to breathe or have trouble finishing a cycle of breath. Besides lung infection, it can be a sign of many other dangerous illnesses including a heart attack, which is why it is all the more important to get it diagnosed in time. A lung infection may cause shortness of breath accompanied with a stabbing chest pain.
You may experience wheezing
When you have a lung infection, your airways may narrow down due to inflammation. This could therefore lead to wheezing, a high-pitched whistling sound when you exhale.
Lung infections may come with fever, chills and fatigue
Any form of infection can cause serious inflammation in the body, leading to severe health issues. Lung infections are no different. That said, it may be accompanied with fever, chills and fatigue, only indicating that your body is trying to fight off the infection.
Treatments
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat a bacterial lung infection. Additionally, lung infections caused by a fungus can be treated with the help of antifungal medications. However, these might not help with an infection caused by a virus. You'll have to wait for your body to fight off the infection on its own.
Home remedies to treat lung infections
While most lung infections can be treated with prescribed medications, certain home remedies can help speed up the recovery and ease your symptoms. Here are some of the ways you can do that.
- Drink lots and lots of fluid
- Get plenty of rest
- Make sure you follow a healthy diet
- Make use of humidifier or remember to practice steam inhalation
- Drink warm drinks
- Avoid smoking or being around a smoker
- Do not lie flat while sleeping. Instead keep your head elevated to avoid letting the mucus settle in your chest.