Our lungs are vital organs that help us breathe and live a healthy life. However, they can sometimes become infected by viruses, bacteria, or fungi—leading to what are known as Lung Infectious Diseases. These infections can range from mild illnesses like the common cold to more serious conditions such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
In this blog, let’s understand what lung infections are, what causes them, common symptoms, and when to seek medical help.
What Is Lung Infectious Diseases?
Lung infectious diseases occur when harmful microorganisms—like bacteria, viruses, or fungi—enter the lungs and cause inflammation. These infections may affect different parts of the respiratory system including the airways (bronchi), lung tissues, and the pleura (lining around the lungs).
Some infections are mild and go away with rest and medicine, while others can become serious and require hospital care.
Common Lung Infections
- Pneumonia
- Caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi
- Leads to inflammation and fluid in the lungs
- Symptoms: High fever, cough with phlegm, breathlessness, chest pain
- Bronchitis
- Inflammation of the airways (bronchi)
- Often caused by viral infections
- Symptoms: Cough, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
- A serious and slow-developing infection
- Symptoms: Long-lasting cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats
- Fungal Lung Infections
- More common in people with weak immunity (cancer, diabetes, transplant patients)
- Caused by fungi like Aspergillus
- Symptoms: Fever, cough, chest pain, blood in sputum (in some cases)
How Do Lung Infections Spread?
- Through air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose or mouth
- Living or working in crowded places
- Low immunity due to underlying diseases or poor nutrition
Who Is at Risk?
- Elderly individuals
- People with asthma or COPD
- Diabetics
- Smokers
- Cancer patients or those on chemotherapy
- People with weak immunity
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
If you experience any of the following symptoms for more than a few days, see a lung specialist (pulmonologist):
- Persistent cough (with or without phlegm)
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Chest pain while breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Blood in sputum
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
Diagnosis and Treatment
Lung infections are diagnosed using:
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- Sputum or throat swab tests
- Blood tests
- Bronchoscopy in severe or unclear cases
How to Protect Your Lungs?
- Get vaccinated for flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and TB (if needed)
- Quit smoking
- Wash hands regularly
- Wear a mask in polluted or crowded areas
- Eat nutritious food to boost immunity
- Avoid self-medication—especially antibiotics
Lung infections are common but can become serious if ignored. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent complications and help you breathe easy again.
If you or a loved one are facing any breathing issues, don’t delay. Consult a pulmonologist and get the right tests done.
Dr. Sneha Tirpude, an experienced Pulmonologist in Pune, offers expert care for lung infections, asthma, COPD, and other chest diseases.
