Introduction
The lower respiratory system includes the lungs and bronchial tubes (which connect your windpipe to your lungs). The most common lower respiratory infections are bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, and pneumonia, an infection in your lung tissue. Lower respiratory infections can sometimes be life-threatening, especially if you're older or are already dealing with another serious medical condition.
Symptoms
Bronchitis typically begins with a dry, shallow cough, along with cold symptoms. As it progresses, phlegm develops and the cough becomes painful. The chest feels tight, causing some shortness of breath. The phlegm changes from a gelatin-like substance into a thick, yellow mucus. An acute case of bronchitis usually resolves itself within two weeks.
A mild but constant cough is typically a sign of a chronic bronchitis, which can continue indefinitely if preventative steps are not taken. The repetitive coughing is very hard on the lungs and respiratory system, allowing infections to develop more easily. Chronic bronchities may also lead to emphysema later in life. Persistent coughing must be evaluated by a physician to rule out more serious problems, including cancer.
Pneumonia is an inflammation in the tiny alveolar sacs of the lungs, where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. The first signs of classic pneumonia are a painful, dry cough, intense fatigue and a high fever. Since each breath is painful, breathing becomes laboured and shallow. As the infection continues, the lungs fill with mucus and the cough loosens, causing the coughing up of coloured mucus.
Pneumonia will go unnoticed for weeks if it develops slowly and without fever. Since there can be many potential reasons behind coughing and breathlessness, an X-ray is usually necessary to make a diagnosis. Pneumonia can be life-threatening and should be closely monitored by a health-care professional.
Causes/Factors
Sudden acute bronchitis is often caused by a virus, sometimes in combination with bacteria. Any cough is a healthy reaction to irritation within the air passage and in bronchitis, the cough is necessary to eliminate infectious mucus from the body. Coughing should not be suppressed.
A chronic bronchial cough lasting weeks and months, even years, is usually due to an irritating substance, such as tobacco, and sometimes due to excessively dry air and dust in the home or workplace. Repeated spells of bronchial infection are usually related to allergies, asthma and sinusitis or other respiratory disorders.
An inadequate diet with too much meat and processed foods and too little fibre has been linked to lung weaknesses. Toxins can build up in both the lungs and the colon. When the respiratory tract is overloaded with toxic material, respiratory problems like bronchitis are more likely to surface.
The classic type of pneumonia, lobar pneumonia, is caused by a pneumococcal bacteria, which reaches the lungs through the airways, affecting one of the five lung lobes.
Bronchiopneumonia is an infection which arises from bronchitis, and is caused by a variety of bacteria and viruses that cause colds and flus. The type which produces the fewest symptoms is called an interstitial pneumonia and is usually viral in origin. Most pneumonias are infectious, spread by inhaling infected droplets from a cough, yet most people will not catch pneumonia. Some people carry the pneumococcal bacteria in their lungs without ever becoming ill. Pneumonias tend to strike those with a poor resistance to disease, especially if the lungs are not well supplied with fresh air and blood.
People already ill and confined to their beds are most susceptible. Other people at high risk because of poor resistance are those with HIV and those who drink heavily or who take strong medications. The elderly and infants are particularly prone. People who smoke or have long-term respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, are also more likely to catch pneumonia. Irritating substances such as chlorine can also cause inflammation. A pulmonary embolism or a tumour can also contribute to pneumonia.
What You Can Do
Watch for signs of bronchitis or pneumonia. These include wheezing, coughing, a high fever that doesn't go away, chest pains when coughing or taking deep breaths, and trouble breathing. As well, blood and/or green, yellow, brown or greyish mucus may be expelled when coughing. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor.
If your symptoms are less severe, stay at home and rest. Drink plenty of water and other clear fluids. Home remedies, such as chicken soup and honey, can help to ease symptoms.
Use a humidifier in the bedroom, especially with a dry cough.
Balance rest with moderate activity to keep mucus secretions from settling.
Occasionally, bronchitis may develop into pneumonia. If you experience high, prolonged fever or severe, worsening symptoms that won't go away, contact your health-care provider.
If you do develop pneumonia, follow your doctor�s instructions concerning bed rest.
Keep air moisture high by using a humidifier or by placing a container filled with water near the radiator or heat vents.
Make sure you're completely recovered from the pneumonia before you resume a regular routine. A partial recuperation could result in pleurisy and other more serious, chronic lung ailments.
What You Can Eat
Eat plenty of yellow vegetables for vitamin A, which supports the health of respiratory passages. Vitamin C, found in citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables, promotes the healing of infection. Drink plenty of water and juices to replace fluid lost during fever and to thin lung secretions.
Use honey instead of sugar as sweetener for herb teas. Avoid mucus-forming dairy foods, heavy starches and saturated fats from animal meats to reduce congestion.
What You Can Take
Pneumonia and severe bronchitis may require treatment with antibiotics. If you've been prescribed an antibiotic, take it completely and as instructed. Do not save the antibiotic for future use. Once you've recovered, good bacteria (probiotics) can help your immune and digestive systems get back to normal: these can be purchased at your pharmacy.
Antibiotics are neither an appropriate nor effective treatment for many lower respiratory infections (for example, viral bronchitis). Unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause allergic reactions and digestive upset, including diarrhea, and can interact with other medications. It can also kill bacteria that are good for your body, while enabling harmful bacteria to become more resistant to drugs.
Further Resources
Contact the Canadian Lung Association at www.lung.ca or 1-888-566-5864.
