Respiratory infections are far more common than most people realise. They range from simple colds to serious illnesses like pneumonia and acute bronchitis. In a busy city like Lagos where people move around in crowded spaces every day, these infections spread easily and quickly. At the Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre, we see how respiratory illnesses can escalate, especially in people with underlying conditions such as asthma, hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease.
This blog helps you understand what respiratory infections are, how they start, the symptoms you should not ignore, and steps you can take to stay healthy.
What exactly is a respiratory infection
Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat, airways and lungs. They can be caused by viruses, bacteria or sometimes fungi. The most common examples include the flu, pneumonia, sinus infections, bronchitis and COVID related illnesses. Some infections are mild and go away on their own. Others become severe and require urgent medical attention especially in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions.
How respiratory infections spread
These infections pass easily from one person to another through tiny droplets released when someone coughs, sneezes or even talks. Touching contaminated surfaces also increases the risk. Poor air quality, overcrowded environments, dust and exposure to smoke all create conditions that support infection.
Symptoms you should pay attention to
Symptoms vary but common warning signs include persistent coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, fatigue, sore throat, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In people with heart disease or hypertension, respiratory infections can worsen symptoms and put more pressure on the heart. This is why early evaluation is important.
When a cough stops being normal
A simple cough from a cold usually starts improving after a few days. However, you should seek medical help if you experience continuous coughing for more than a week, coughing with chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, high fever that does not go down or sudden weakness. These could be signs of a more serious infection like pneumonia.
How respiratory infections affect your heart
Many people do not know that severe respiratory infections can trigger heart complications. The lungs and the heart work closely together. When the lungs struggle to get enough oxygen into the body the heart works harder. This can worsen hypertension, trigger irregular heartbeat and increase the risk of heart failure. At LECC we see many patients who come in for breathing problems but end up needing cardiac evaluation as well.
Preventing respiratory infections
Keeping your lungs healthy is an everyday effort. Wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, avoid smoking or smoky environments and improve ventilation in your home or office. During high infection periods, wearing a mask in crowded areas is helpful. Vaccination for influenza also reduces the severity of infections.
When to seek expert care
If you have an existing heart condition, diabetes, asthma or high blood pressure, do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Early testing and treatment reduce complications. At LECC our respiratory and cardiology teams work together to assess infections, manage breathing difficulties and support recovery especially for vulnerable patients.
Protecting yourself begins with awareness. Seeking medical help early can prevent complications and save lives.
If you are experiencing any breathing difficulty or persistent symptoms, visit us at the Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre.
Your breathing should never be a struggle.
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