Coldplay front man Chris Martin has been diagnosed with “severe” pneumonia, according to the group. Therefore, the presentations in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, which were to take place between October 11th and 12th, had to be cancelled.
Taking to social media, the band claimed that Chris had received strict medical orders to rest for the next three weeks.
According to Michelle Andreata, a pulmonologist at Saúde no Home, a lung infection, which can also be called a lower respiratory tract infection, occurs when certain types of fungi, viruses or bacteria multiply in the lungs and cause inflammation in the organs.
“It happens when these agents enter the body through inhalation of respiratory droplets released when we cough, sneeze or speak and we become infected by these microorganisms. In the case of fungi, this happens when the individual’s immunity is at its lowest, be it due to advancing age, chronic illnesses or the constant use of medication,” explains the doctor.
Types of lung infections according to the specialist
There are three types of pneumonia, pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchiolitis.
Pneumonia is caused by the penetration of an infectious or irritating agent (bacteria, viruses, fungi and allergic reactions) into the alveolar space, where gas exchange takes place. This place must always be very clean, free from substances that could prevent the air from coming into contact with the blood. Unlike the highly contagious influenza virus, the causative agents of pneumonia are not usually easily transmitted.
Bronchitis is a type of inflammation of the airways, more specifically the bronchi, which are responsible for directing the air that enters through the nose to the lungs. The causes of this infection are varied and can be triggered by viruses or bacteria.
Various environmental impacts, such. B. prolonged smoking or inhaling someone else’s cigarette smoke can trigger a bronchitis attack.
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the bronchioles. It occurs most commonly in children under the age of 2 and is caused by a virus, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, several other viruses can cause this condition, including parainfluenza, influenza, and adenovirus. The infection causes inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles, which in turn leads to obstruction of airflow in and out of the lungs.
It is worth remembering that most adults and older children who have a cold can be carriers of these viruses. However, in children under 2 years of age, the infection is more likely to result in bronchiolitis.
symptoms
Andreata says symptoms vary depending on the lung infection. “If the patient has pneumonia, which although common, can be very serious if it develops, cough, high fever, chest and back pain, wheezing, in addition to secretions of a greener hue or with blood.”
With bronchitis, the specialist says that the patient does not always feel fever. “The secretion exists, but it’s a different color than pneumonia, varying between a yellow or whitish hue, and it’s common to feel a lot of tiredness, coughing, and a breath that resembles wheezing,” he explains.
“With bronchiolitis, the person also has wheezing when breathing, feels very tired and irritable, and a lot of this has to do with rapid breathing, decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping,” adds Andreata.
treatment
The pulmonologist clarifies that the treatment of a lung infection is based on the analyzes and examinations of the specialist, with drugs that act directly against the pathogen.
These medications can be oral or injectable antibiotics, oral or injectable antifungal or antiviral drugs, and analgesics to reduce discomfort and fever.
In more severe cases, Andreata explains, physical therapy and breathing exercises might be necessary, and if the individual’s organism is more vulnerable, the patient should be hospitalized or receive medical attention at home to avoid contact with other patients, bacteria and viruses. She also notes that the treatment time depends on the type of pathology.
* Intern under the direction of editor Ellen Cristie.