Lung Cold: Symptoms and Effective Treatment
Lung cold, commonly known as pneumonia, is a serious complication of viral infections like the common cold or flu. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and how to treat it effectively to prevent severe health risks.
Infectious diseases such as the common cold or flu are dangerous not just by themselves but due to their potential complications. One notable complication is lung inflammation following a cold, medically known as pneumonia. This condition is often referred to colloquially as a 'lung cold.'
Lung cold essentially refers to inflammation caused by viral damage to lung cells—in other words, pneumonia. Ignoring or failing to treat lung cold can lead to rapid deterioration and, unfortunately, even death.
Causes of Lung Cold
Every year, approximately one in every hundred people worldwide develops lung cold. While healthy adults have a good chance of recovering without lasting damage, elderly individuals and young children face significantly higher risks. For some, pneumonia can be fatal.
The primary cause of lung cold is prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially when combined with an ordinary cold. Another common factor is impaired clearance of mucus from the bronchi, which leads to inflammation in lung tissue. To reduce this risk, maintaining an active lifestyle through physical activity or sports is essential, as it promotes good lung ventilation and lowers susceptibility to illness.
The most severe form of lung cold is acute pneumonia. It begins suddenly with intense chills, and within a few hours, the body temperature can rise to 102-104°F (39-40°C). Inflammation may affect one or both lungs. When one lung is inflamed, there is sharp pain in the side; if both lungs are involved, pain can be felt across the chest and sometimes the upper back. Patients experience a persistent dry cough lasting several hours. Physical exertion leads to rapid, labored breathing. Coughing can cause blood vessels to rupture, resulting in coughing up blood. The greatest danger is that the brain does not receive enough oxygen because the lungs are not functioning properly. This risk is present in all forms of pneumonia but is especially high in acute cases.
Moderate intensity lung cold is known as focal pneumonia. The fever in this form is less severe but can persist for several weeks. Although the illness is unpleasant, the likelihood of death is low.
How to Treat Lung Cold
Acute pneumonia requires immediate hospitalization due to its severity. Milder forms can be managed at home. Initially, it’s important to reduce fever using cold compresses. Once the overall body temperature decreases, localized warming treatments can be applied to painful areas, such as mustard plasters on the back or upper chest. Increasing fluid intake is crucial during any cold, including lung cold. Herbal teas with honey and other honey-based infusions help strengthen the patient's immune system.
While a common cold can often be overcome without medication, lung cold is a serious condition that requires medical attention. Even if you do not experience severe chest or side pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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