What is the medical term for lung infection?

What is the medical term for lung infection?

Pneumonitis (noo-moe-NIE-tis) is a general term that refers to inflammation of lung tissue. Technically, pneumonia is a type of pneumonitis because the infection causes inflammation.

What is meant by lungs infection?

A lung infection occurs when a dangerous microbe, such as a bacterium or a virus, gets into the lungs and causes damage. The severity of a lung infection can range from mild to life threatening. Although most types of lung infection are treatable and most people recover, these infections are also very dangerous.

Which medicine is best for lungs?

Inhalers

  • Bronchodilator Inhalers. Bronchodilators open up the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.
  • Combination Inhalers. If you have on-going breathing problems, your doctor may prescribe a combination medicine.
  • Corticosteroid Pills.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitors.
  • Mucolytics.

What is the best antibiotic for lung infections?

Popular Lower Respiratory Infection Drugs

  • amoxicillin$5.22.
  • Augmentin (amoxicillin / potassium clavulanate)$12.30.
  • Keflex (cephalexin)$9.72.
  • Cleocin (clindamycin)$21.60.
  • Zithromax (azithromycin)$8.51.
  • Sulfatrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)$6.38.
  • Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim)$6.38.

Which is the most common type of lung infection?

One of the most common types of lung infections is called pneumonia. Pneumonia, which affects the smaller air sacs of the lungs, is most often caused by contagious bacteria, but can also be caused by a virus.

What happens to your lungs when you have an infection?

As the infection travels your respiratory tract, your immune system fights back. Your lungs and airways swell and become inflamed. This can start in one part of your lung and spread.

Can a fungal skin infection cause a lung infection?

Similarly a lot of people get fungal skin infections, particularly in the skin creases: these are easily treated with antifungal creams too. But occasionally fungi can cause problems that are more serious: problems in the lungs, for example. How do fungi affect the lungs? In general, lungs do not like fungi!

When to seek medical treatment for a lung infection?

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial lung infections. People older than 65, children under the age of 2, and people with chronic health conditions or a compromised immune system should seek medical treatment right away if they experience any symptoms of a lung infection.

How do you get a lung infection?

A lung infection occurs when lungs get exposed to bacteria, viruses, or other disease-causing agents present in our surroundings. Pathogens that cause such infections can spread to others through physical contact, especially through inhalation of respiratory secretions.

What are the symptoms of lung infection?

☛ Viral Lung Infection. Some commonly observed, not-so-severe symptoms of viral lung infection are cough, runny nose, sore throat, mild fever, and in rare cases, ear infection. Labored breathing, dehydration, and wheezing are other complaints registered by patients, who endure this condition.

What are the signs of lung problems?

Signs of Lung Problems. These symptoms may indicate a problem with the lungs: Chronic cough (eight weeks or longer for adults and four weeks or longer in children) Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing. Increased mucus production. Pain or tightness in the chest when breathing.

What is the most common respiratory disease?

COPD is one of the most common respiratory diseases and is usually experienced as chronic bronchitis or as emphysema. In emphysema, the alveoli lose their shape and collapse, trapping air inside of them and making it difficult to breathe out. The most common cause of COPD is smoking.