The main symptoms of pulmonary infection are dry cough or phlegm, difficulty breathing, rapid and shallow breathing and a high fever that lasts more than 48 hours, only decreasing after the use of medicines. It is important that in the presence of symptoms, the person goes to the doctor to make the diagnosis and start the appropriate treatment, preventing complications.
Lung infection or low respiratory infection occurs when microorganisms enter the body through the upper respiratory tract and remain in the lung, being more frequent in people who have a weakened immune system due to chronic illness or use of drugs, or due to age, for example. example. Learn more about lung infection.
Main symptoms
The initial symptoms of lung infection may be the same symptoms as the flu, common cold and even otitis, as there may be sore throat and ear. However, if the symptoms are persistent, worsening over the days, it may be indicative of lung infection, whose main symptoms are:
- Dry or secreted cough;
- High and persistent fever;
- Loss of appetite
- Headache;
- Chest pain;
- Back pain;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Fast and shallow breathing;
- Runny nose.
In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to consult a general practitioner, pediatrician or pulmonologist in order to make the diagnosis and, thus, begin treatment. The diagnosis is made through the assessment of symptoms, pulmonary auscultation, chest X-ray, blood count and analysis of sputum or nasal mucosa to identify which microorganism is causing the infection.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of pulmonary infection is made by the general practitioner, pediatrician or pulmonologist through the evaluation of signs and symptoms presented by the person, in addition to the results of imaging and laboratory tests that can be requested. Usually, the doctor recommends performing a chest X-ray to identify any signs of abnormal lungs.
In addition, the doctor also recommends performing blood tests, such as blood count, and microbiological tests based on the analysis of sputum or a sample of the nasal mucosa to identify which microorganism is associated with the infection and, thus, it is possible to start treatment with the most suitable medicine.
How to treat
Treatment for pulmonary infection is done according to medical advice and it is usually indicated that the person is at rest, hydrates properly and uses antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals for 7 to 14 days according to the identified microorganism. In addition, the use of drugs to reduce pain and fever, such as Paracetamol, for example, may be indicated. Learn more about treatment for lung infection.
Respiratory physiotherapy is indicated mainly in the case of the elderly, as they tend to be more bedridden, and also in the case of people who acquired respiratory infection during hospitalization, and physiotherapy is useful to help eliminate secretions. Understand what respiratory therapy is and how it is done.
