Having a persistent cough might seem harmless at first, but if left untreated, this could potentially lead to lower respiratory tract infection and can become deadly.
Lower respiratory tract infection is when an infection spreads to the lower parts of your breathing system which stretches from your voice box to your lungs.
This means that lower respiratory tract infection can either affect the airways in your lungs or the lung sacs (alveoli) at the end of each airway.
Types of lower respiratory tract infections:
1 Bronchitis – an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes
2 Pneumonia – a bacterial, fungal or viral infection of the lungs
3 Bronchiolitis – a lung infection in infants caused by inflammation in the small airways of the lungs
4 Tuberculosis – a serious bacterial infection of the lungs that could spread easily
Any of these symptoms should not be ignored
Symptoms of lower respiratory infections vary in severity. Less severe symptoms could range from having a stuffy or runny nose or dry cough to a mild fever and headache
However, when any of the above symptoms are either accompanied by or progresses to any of the following more severe symptoms, then it’s imperative that you see your doctor:
- A persistent cough that produces large amounts of phlegm
- High fever
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- When your skin or lips have a light blueish tint
- Severe chest pain
- A wheezing sound when coughing
These are some of the common causes of lower respiratory infections:
- Viruses, bacteria or fungi
- Tobacco smoke
- Chemicals that are inhaled
- Airborne allergens like pollen
- Air pollution
- Visit your GP if you or your family is in need of medical treatment
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