Why lung infection

Vaccines can prevent some forms of pneumonia, such as pneumococcal pneumonia. They may also reduce the risk of certain types of pneumonia. The flu shot, for example, reduces the risk of the flu and of the pneumonia that it can cause. A contagious bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis TB.

In some people, TB bacteria live in the body without causing illness. However, in many cases, TB affects the lungs and may also affect other areas of the body. The earlier a person seeks treatment for TB, the less likely they are to spread the disease to others or to experience serious complications from it.

Antibiotics can clear the infection. If a person has serious complications, however, they might need other forms of treatment, such as oxygen or intravenous fluids. Influenza is a respiratory tract infection that affects both the upper airway, including the throat and the nose, and the lungs. Severe cases of influenza can inflame and damage the air sacs of the lungs, causing pneumonia and making it difficult to breathe.

Although the flu usually goes away on its own, people with a weak immune system, infants, young children, and older adults are more likely to experience severe breathing issues.

In a newborn , the flu can quickly cause a medical emergency. Some symptoms of the flu include:. Most people do not need flu treatment. However, a doctor can prescribe anti-flu medications such as Tamiflu within the first few days of symptoms. This can help the flu go away faster and may reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Antibiotics will not treat the flu. However, some people develop secondary infections, such as ear infections.

They should contact a doctor if they experience any new or worsening symptoms to see if antibiotics might be appropriate. Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchial tubes, which help the lungs take in oxygen. Like pneumonia, the infection can be either viral or bacterial. Bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis are three types of lung infections. They are typically caused by a virus or bacteria. Rarely, lung infections can be caused by fungi such as Pneumocystis jirovecii , Aspergillus , or Histoplasma capsulatum.

A fungal lung infection is more common in people who are immunosuppressed, either from certain types of cancer or HIV or from taking immunosuppressive medications. A doctor will first take a medical history and ask about your symptoms.

You may be asked questions about your occupation, recent travel, or exposure to animals. The doctor will measure your temperature and listen to your chest with a stethoscope to check for crackling sounds. A bacterial infection usually requires antibiotics in order to clear it up. A fungal lung infection will require treatment with an antifungal medication, such as ketoconazole or voriconazole.

In the meantime, you can help your body fight off the infection and make yourself more comfortable with the following home care remedies:. For more severe lung infections, you may need to stay at a hospital during your recovery. Lung infections can be serious if not treated. You can book an appointment with a doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool.

A fever can mean different things depending on your age. In general, you should follow these guidelines:. You should also seek emergency treatment at the nearest emergency room or call if a fever is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:.

If you have a weakened immune system and develop a fever, shortness of breath, or a cough that brings up blood, seek emergency medical care right away.

Not all lung infections can be prevented, but you can minimize your risk with the following tips:. For those at greater risk, the best way to prevent bacterial pneumonia from the most common strains of bacteria is with one of two vaccines:. A lung infection causes symptoms similar to the cold or flu, but may be more severe and typically last longer.

Pneumonia is swelling inflammation of the tissue in one or both lungs. It's usually caused by a bacterial infection. The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days.

If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, it could be COVID If you have a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell, use the online coronavirus service.

If you feel unwell and have any other symptoms of pneumonia, contact your GP or use the regular online service. Only call if you cannot get help online or you need help for a child under 5. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed April 18, Schauner S, et al.

Journal of Family Practice. Attridge RT, et al. Health care-associated pneumonia: An evidence-based review. American Journal of Medicine. Hunter JD. Ventilator associated pneumonia.

Dockrell DH, et al. Pneumococcal pneumonia: Mechanisms of infection and resolution. Reynolds RH, et al. Pneumonia in the immunocompetent patient. British Journal of Radiology. Remington LT, et al. Community-acquired pneumonia.

Current Opinion Pulmonary Medicine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adults: Protect yourself with pneumococcal vaccines. Marrie TJ, et al.