Infectious Lung Diseases

Just like the cold and flu easily spread from person to person, most of the more serious infectious lung diseases, from pneumonia to COVID-19, are also highly contagious. Whether you need testing or treatment, you can depend on receiving comprehensive care at Chuan Jiang Medicine PC in Flushing, New York. Under the expert care of Chuan Jiang, MD, you can overcome your infectious lung disease and regain optimal health. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is an infectious lung disease?

Infectious lung diseases are caused by microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and less often fungi. Most infectious conditions are contagious, spreading rapidly from person to person. You also pick up infectious lung diseases by coming into contact with the microorganism.

What are the types of infectious lung diseases?

Dr. Jiang treats many different infectious lung diseases, including (but not limited to):

• Bacterial pneumonia
• Viral pneumonia
• COVID-19 infections
• Tuberculosis
• Legionnaires’ disease
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Whooping cough (pertussis)
• Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections

NTM are a large group of microorganisms living in soil and water. One of the most common, mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), frequently causes lung infections, especially in people with chronic lung disease.

What are the symptoms of infectious lung diseases?

The most common symptoms include:

• Dry cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain (that’s worse when you breathe or cough)
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Cough producing mucus
• Cough producing blood
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss
• Excessive sweating and night sweats
• Fatigue

Some infectious lung diseases, including COVID-19 and RSV, cause flu or cold-like symptoms, such as muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and a fever.

How are infectious lung diseases treated?

After Dr. Jiang reviews your medical history and symptoms and completes a physical exam, he runs blood tests and may need diagnostic imaging. He also offers COVID-19 testing, including the rapid antigen test, the PCR test, and antibody testing.

After diagnosing the type of infectious disease, he may prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection or antiviral medications if they’re available for the type of virus. You may also need other medications to ease symptoms like a cough and congestion. It’s also important to get plenty of rest and fluids.

A wide range of treatments help reduce mucus buildup if you have this issue. For example, Dr. Jiang may recommend chest physical therapy (techniques for clearing your airways), pulmonary rehabilitation, or high-frequency chest wall oscillation.

In severe cases, you may need hospitalization, where you can receive intensive supportive therapy, such as intravenous (IV) medications and fluids, oxygen therapy, or a ventilator. 

If you develop a lung infection, call Chuan Jiang Medicine PC or schedule an appointment today.