Your lungs have quite an important job in your body.
Without them, none of your organs could receive the oxygen-rich blood they need to function correctly. So, if you develop issues with your breathing, the rest of your body suffers too.
The lungs are composed of many parts that function harmoniously to keep you breathing. Many forms of infection might cause one of these parts to become inflamed or damaged, resulting in breathing problems or the development of chronic conditions.
Chronic lung conditions have no cures. When left untreated, their symptoms can grow worse, leading to the development of other severe lung conditions and full respiratory failure.
Fortunately, treatment options are available for many lung conditions to help slow down the progression of symptoms and inflammation.
Common causes of lung infection:
One of the leading causes of lung infection is smoking cigarettes.
Cigarette smoking is linked to the most severe lung conditions, including the following:
Lung cancer
COPD
Emphysema
Chronic bronchitis
Bronchiectasis
Pneumoconiosis and more
If you smoke cigarettes, quitting now can help reduce your chances of developing a lung infection.
Other common causes of lung infection are genetics, age, and exposure to breathing in particles like dust, smoke, chemicals, and asbestos.
Diseases such as arthritis, scleroderma, and lupus can also cause lung health problems.
How are lung infections treated?
Lung infections frequently cause scarring and damage to vital tissue in your lungs. There is no cure for this kind of scarring, but treatments can assist in slowing the symptoms of the infections that cause the damage.
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.
