Pneumonitis, or the inflammation of the lungs, is brought on by illnesses, pollutants in the air, and conditions like asthma or bronchitis. Wheezing, breathing difficulties, heaviness in the chest, and chest discomfort are all signs of inflamed lungs.
Lung irritation can be a temporary reaction or a chronic disease. A physical examination, imaging studies, lung function tests, and other examinations are used to identify it. Medication is used to manage it, though surgery may occasionally be required.
Symptoms of lung inflammation can come on very suddenly or take a little longer to develop. How quickly symptoms show up depends on the extent of inflammation, the cause, and your overall health.
If you have chronic (long-term) inflammation, you might get used to the situation and start ignoring your symptoms. That’s easier to do if they are mild and fairly steady.
With acute (sudden or short-term) inflammation, it’s hard to ignore the effects because they can get worse quickly. You probably won’t be able to overlook the fact that something is wrong.
Symptoms of lung inflammation can include:
– Feeling tired after physical activity
– A general sense of fatigue
– Wheezing
– Dry or productive (i.e., mucus-producing) cough
– Trouble breathing
– Chest discomfort or tightness
– A sense of lung pain
– Gasping for air
Usually, contagious organisms like bacteria and viruses cause pneumonia. These bacteria can spread through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated objects. Pathogens that cause pneumonia are typically inhaled into a person’s tiny air sacs, or alveoli, in their lungs. Alveoli become inflamed as a result of the immune system’s response to the infection by sending white blood cells to fight the infection. Pneumonia is brought on by the mucus and pus that occupy the alveoli.
Contact Dr. Barbara Karin Vela today to schedule an appointment.