Which Hospitals Provide Treatment for Lung Infections and Asthma?

Dear Manish ji,

Lung infection and asthma can both affect breathing and may cause coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. If a patient has both a lung infection and asthma, extra care is needed because an infection can trigger an asthma attack and make breathing problems worse. The good news is that both conditions can be treated with proper medical care. However, the treatment depends on the type of infection, its severity and the patient's asthma condition.

What is a lung infection?

A lung infection occurs when germs such as viruses, bacteria or, less commonly, fungi infect the lungs. Pneumonia and bronchitis are common respiratory infections. These infections can cause swelling and mucus formation in the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Common symptoms of a lung infection include:

• Continuous cough, sometimes with mucus or phlegm.
• Fever, chills or sweating.
• Chest pain, especially while coughing or taking a deep breath.
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
• Weakness, tiredness and body pain.
• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing.
• Loss of appetite in some patients.

How is a lung infection treated?

The treatment depends on whether the infection is caused by a virus, bacteria or another germ. A doctor may recommend the following:

• Antibiotics: These are prescribed only when a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed. They do not work against viral infections. Complete the prescribed course as advised by the doctor.
• Medicines for fever and pain: A doctor may prescribe suitable medicines to reduce fever, body pain and chest discomfort.
• Inhalers or nebulisation: If the infection causes wheezing or breathing difficulty, the doctor may recommend medicines that open the airways.
• Oxygen support: Patients with low oxygen levels or severe breathing difficulty may need oxygen in a hospital.
• Hospital treatment: Severe pneumonia or serious breathing problems may require admission, monitoring and treatment through a hospital.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways become sensitive and swollen. The muscles around the airways may tighten, and extra mucus may develop. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs.

Common symptoms of asthma include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing.
• Chest tightness or heaviness.
• Repeated coughing, especially at night or early in the morning.
• Breathing difficulty after exercise, exposure to dust or cold air.

How is asthma treated?

Asthma can usually be controlled with the right medicines and regular follow-up. The doctor may recommend:

• Reliever inhaler: This helps open the airways quickly during sudden asthma symptoms. Use it according to your doctor's instructions.
• Controller inhaler: This usually contains an inhaled corticosteroid that reduces swelling inside the airways and helps prevent asthma attacks. It needs to be used regularly as prescribed.
• Combination inhaler: Some patients may need a combination of medicines to control airway swelling and keep the airways open.
• Nebulisation: During certain asthma attacks, a doctor may recommend nebulised medicines to help the patient breathe more comfortably.
• Oral medicines: In some cases, doctors may prescribe tablets or short courses of steroids for severe symptoms. These should never be started without medical advice.

Do not stop your regular asthma inhaler just because you feel better. Also, do not share inhalers or use someone else's medicines.

What if the patient has both lung infection and asthma?

A lung infection can irritate the airways and trigger an asthma attack. The patient may experience more coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness than usual.

In this situation, the doctor may treat the infection and asthma together. Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include:

• Medicines for the lung infection, based on its cause.
• Regular asthma controller inhalers.
• Reliever inhalers or nebulisation for wheezing and airway tightening.
• Oxygen support if oxygen levels are low.
• Chest examination and tests to monitor the infection and breathing condition.

Which tests may be required?

The doctor may recommend some of the following tests depending on the symptoms and examination:

• Chest X-ray: Helps check for pneumonia or other changes in the lungs.
• Blood tests: CBC and other tests may help identify signs of infection.
• Oxygen level test: A pulse oximeter checks the oxygen level in the blood.
• Sputum test: If the patient is coughing up mucus, a sample may be tested to identify the infection.
• Spirometry or pulmonary function test: Helps assess how well the lungs are working and whether airflow is restricted due to asthma.
• CT scan of the chest: May be advised if the doctor needs more detailed information about the lungs.

Not every patient needs all these tests. The doctor will decide based on the patient's symptoms and medical condition.

Home care and precautions

• Take all prescribed medicines and inhalers on time.
• Drink enough water unless the doctor has advised fluid restriction.
• Take adequate rest and avoid heavy physical activity during the infection.
• Stay away from cigarette smoke, dust, pollution, strong perfumes and other asthma triggers.
• Keep the room clean and well ventilated.
• Wash hands regularly and cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing.
• Use your inhaler with the correct technique. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to demonstrate it.
• If you use a steroid inhaler, rinse your mouth after use.
• Do not take antibiotics, steroids, cough syrups or nebulisation medicines without medical advice.
• Follow up with your doctor even if the symptoms start improving.

When should the patient visit the hospital immediately?

Seek emergency medical help if the patient has any of these warning signs:

• Severe difficulty breathing or struggling to speak because of breathlessness.
• Blue or grey lips, face or fingertips.
• Chest pain or pressure that is severe or persistent.
• Confusion, unusual sleepiness or fainting.
• Oxygen level repeatedly below 92% at rest, unless the doctor has advised a different target.
• Asthma symptoms that do not improve after using the prescribed reliever inhaler as directed.
• Rapidly worsening breathing or high fever with severe weakness.

Do not wait for a routine appointment if these symptoms occur.

Wishing you and your family good health always.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth