Lung Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lung infections involve the inflammation or infection of the airways or lung tissue, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, leading to respiratory symptoms.
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Pneumonia Diagnosis | Pulmonary Infection Management | Lower Respiratory Tract Infections | Pulmonary Diseases | Respiratory Distress
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Lung Infections FAQ

What is a lung infection?

A lung infection is exactly what it sounds like: an infection of one or both of your lungs. There are a couple of common types of lung infections. One of the most common lung infections is pneumonia. Pneumonia affects the smaller air sacs of your lungs. It’s most often caused by contagious bacteria but can also be caused by a virus or fungus.

What causes a lung infection?

Lung infections can be caused by pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19, the common cold, and other upper respiratory illnesses. Most lung infections are treatable with antibiotics or antivirals, and mild infections often resolve on their own. In some cases, though, lung infections can be severe and lead to hospitalization and even death.

How severe is a lung infection?

Lung infections such as pneumonia can range from mild to severe. They may be more severe for people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The symptoms of a lung infection vary from mild to severe.

Lung Infections References

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