Alpha hemolytic streptococcus, or alpha strep, is a spherical bacteria that can cause breakdown of blood cells on growth-medium plates that contain blood-based gels to promote the growth of bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common alpha strep that is associated with lung infections or pneumonia. Apart from damage to the respiratory tract, alpha strep can further spread to cause ear, blood and brain infections. Antibiotics are the mainstay of alpha strep lung infection treatment.
Breathing problems often begin to occur right after birth without an evident cause. PCD is an inherited condition that results from genetic abnormalities of the cilia. Cilia are the hair-like structures which line the airways a...
Infectious processes that cause dysfunction of these areas are classified as upper respiratory tract infections. Lower respiratory diseases and infections include the disease processes which take place in the lung. The structur...
The ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide through the lungs is critical to life. The lungs are a common sight, however, for infections because the natural environment of the lungs is moist and well oxygenated--a perfec...
Symptoms of lung infections may begin with a simple persistent cough or difficulty in breathing, according to Merck. Lung infections need medical treatment with anti-infective drugs in order to restore normal breathing capabili...
Lung infections are one of the most common infections that patients acquire, according to the Washington Manual of Surgery. Lung infections often start with viral disease such as influenza or the common cold. Respiratory trac...
Lung infections in humans arise when a pathogenic bacteria invades the lungs. The bacteria can then replicate and spread to other parts of the body, in serious cases. The bacterial replication results in inflammation of the alv...
Bacteria, fungi and viruses can infect the upper and lower airways or the air sacs. Similar symptoms may occur with different causes of lung infections. Establishing an accurate diagnosis enables initiation of appropriate antim...
The lungs are prone to infections because lung tissue is designed to interact with the outside world (via breathing) but is fragile enough that it can be damaged easily. Lung infections, also known as infectious pneumonia, can ...
Smoking can damage the lungs and lead to respiratory conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. If you develop a chronic lung condition, it makes you much more susceptible to lung infections. Even if you don't have a...
Anything that would bring damage to the lungs, says the American Lung Association (ALA), can increase the risk of fungal lung infections of immuno-compromised individuals, such as those with cancer or AIDS. To prevent fungal l...
Because some lung infections such as pneumonia can be caused by a bacteria, virus or fungi, getting medical advice is very important. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 3 million people develo...
