Lung Infections

Lung Infections Overview

Lung infections can affect your ability to breathe and if left untreated, can lead to severe complications. The infectious disease specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of lung infections. Understanding the types of infections, symptoms and available treatment options can help you seek the right care.

What causes lung infections?

Lung infections happen when viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites invade the lungs and cause inflammation. No matter what type of lung infection, it can impact the airway and lung tissue, leading to symptoms that may be mild but could become life-threatening. Exposure to contagious germs, underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system can cause lung infections that require treatment.

Types of Lung Infections

Pneumonia: One of the most common and serious lung infections occurs when the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid. Symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, fever, difficulty breathing and chest pain.
Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC): MAC is a group of non-tuberculous bacteria that can cause serious lung infections, especially in people with COPD or autoimmune diseases. Because symptoms can mimic other infections, it requires a high level of expertise to differentiate MAC from other possible conditions. MAC infections often require prolonged and multi-drug treatment, often lasting 12 months or more.
Bronchitis: Acute bronchitis is caused by viruses or bacteria and inflames the bronchial tubes. This inflammation leads to persistent coughing and mucus. Chronic bronchitis, sometimes caused by smoking or environmental factors, requires specialized care from both our infectious disease specialists and pulmonologists.
Tuberculosis (TB): TB is a highly contagious bacterial infection and can spread from the lungs to other organs if not treated.
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are less common, but do happen. If you have a weakened immune system, certain fungal infections like Aspergillosis or Histoplasmosis can cause lung infections and require specific antifungal treatments.

Signs to Look Out For

Early detection of lung infections can prevent dangerous or deadly complications. Common symptoms to watch for include:

Persistent coughing or coughing up blood

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Chest pain

Fever, chills or night sweats

Fatigue or weakness in addition to any of the above symptoms

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Potential Treatments

When it comes to lung infections, the infectious disease specialists at Hattiesburg Clinic offer expert, personalized care. After thorough diagnostic testing, treatments may include:

Antibiotics for bacterial infections like bronchitis or pneumonia

Antiviral medications to treat influenza, RSV or other viral infections

Antifungal treatments

Lung Infections Overview

What causes lung infections?

Types of Lung Infections

Signs to Look Out For

Potential Treatments

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