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 medication. 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 respiratory infection happens when microorganisms enter the body through the airways and remain in the lung, being more frequent in people who have a weakened immune system due to chronic diseases or the use of drugs, or due to age, for example. Learn more about lung infection.
Main symptoms
The initial symptoms of lung infection can be confused with the symptoms of flu, common cold and even otitis, as there may be sore throat and ear. However, if the symptoms are accompanied by persistent fever, it can be indicative of pulmonary infection, whose main symptoms are:
- Dry or secretive cough; High and persistent fever; Loss of appetite; Headache; Chest pain; Back pain; Difficulty breathing; Rapid and shallow breathing; Runny nose.
In the presence of these symptoms, it is important to consult a general practitioner or pulmonologist so that the diagnosis can be made and, thus, treatment can begin. 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 causes the infection.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of pulmonary infection is made by the pulmonologist or pulmonologist by assessing the 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 should rest, hydrate properly and use antibiotics or antifungals for 7 to 14 days according to the microorganism identified. 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.
