- Chris Martin, Coldplay’s main vocalist, is battling a dangerous lung illness.
- Due to the illness, the band had to postpone performances.
- Congestion, a cough, and trouble breathing are all signs of a lung infection, a form of lower respiratory tract infection.
The band Coldplay said on October 4 that it will have to cancel planned performances in Brazil because Chris Martin, the group’s main singer, has a “severe lung illness” and needs to take a three-week break from performing.
Lower respiratory tract infections, such as lung infections, can cause symptoms like coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi all have the potential to cause these diseases. Even though many people recover on their own, lung infections can occasionally be serious enough to necessitate hospitalization.
According to Dr. David A. Beuther, a pulmonologist and associate professor at National Jewish Health in Denver, “lower respiratory infections are really where the threat of significant complications and death can occur,” even though upper respiratory tract infections can also have an effect on a person.
Common Respiratory Infection Kinds
Pneumonia is a form of lower respiratory tract infection that many people are familiar with.
infected lungs, according to a reliable source.
According to Beuther, bacterial pneumonia frequently resulted in death before antibiotics were available. However, he added, “even with drugs now, this form of sickness can [worsen], especially in older, very young, or susceptible persons.
Viruses Can Also Cause Pneumonia.
According to Beuther, the influenza virus used to be the “most common and lethal” cause of viral pneumonia, but now SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is to blame.
Additionally, he added, “there are situations when a person can develop viral pneumonia first, followed by a subsequent bacterial pneumonia.”
Acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tube lining, is another frequent lower respiratory tract infection Trusted Source.
There is a lot of overlap between the symptoms of acute bronchitis and pneumonia, according to Dr. Thomas Yadegar, a pulmonologist and the medical director of the ICU at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.
People who suffer from acute bronchitis may experience a cough, a low-grade fever, body aches, weakness, and fatigue. All of these signs and symptoms are also associated with pneumonia, according to Yadegar.
He said, however, that persons with pneumonia sometimes experience pain when they cough or take a deep breath, and they frequently have a high-grade temperature of 103°F or higher.
Another difference between the two diseases, according to him, is that “with bronchitis, people may generally continue about their everyday routines.” In contrast, he noted, those with pneumonia experience fatigue, lack of energy, and sometimes appetite loss.
Some Folks Are More Vulnerable.
Everyone can get lower respiratory tract infections, but some people are more vulnerable to serious diseases and may have a harder time recovering.
Beuther stated, “We really care about those who are somewhat affected.
In particular, premature infants, whose immune systems are still developing, and people over the age of 65, he noted, are included in this.
Additionally, he added, those with weakened immune systems—whether as a result of a disease or a drug that inhibits the immune system—are more vulnerable to life-threatening lung infections.
According to Dr. Fady Youssef, a pulmonologist, internist, and critical care specialist at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, California, several underlying medical issues, such as lung illness, also increase a person’s risk.
Patients with asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, or lung cancer would fall into this category, as would anyone with a disease that impairs the lung’s capacity to fight an infection or inhale air, the doctor noted.
Beuther responded that professional singing isn’t particularly associated with serious lower respiratory tract infections when asked about Chris Martin of Coldplay.
Anyone can have pneumonia, he warned, even a young, healthy individual. Even young, healthy people have died of pneumonia in my experience. Despite being taken care of, this still occurs.
He added that not getting enough sleep, being exhausted, and being under a lot of stress all raise the chance of acquiring pneumonia.
He said that being overworked, exhausted, and not eating well can all have an impact on your immune system.
But not just rock band musicians have the sense of being exhausted.
For instance, overtrained athletes or even new parents who are having trouble sleeping with their newborn at the home exhibit this, according to Beuther.
Avoidance of Serious Lung Infections
According to Youssef, the majority of patients with a viral respiratory tract infection recover on their own with supportive care like rest, hydration intake, and a nutritious diet.
However, “you should certainly seek medical assistance if, within a two-day window, you’re not better,” advised Yadegar.
People who contract an infection from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 may wish to contact a doctor very away.
You might be qualified for drugs like Paxlovid or Lagevrio that could lessen your risk of developing a serious illness. When used within five days after the onset of symptoms, these medications are most effective.
You can take additional steps to lessen your chance of developing a serious disease from lower respiratory tract infections.
According to Beuther, vaccination is still a crucial defense against some kinds of pneumonia. “We have vaccines that protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, which is one of the deadliest.”
For those 65 years of age and older, as well as for younger adults, teenagers, and children with specific medical conditions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises this vaccination.
Additionally, Beuther added, “taking the flu shot every year can significantly lower your chance of dying from influenza pneumonia.”
Furthermore, he added, “if patients haven’t gotten at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccination, they aren’t doing what they can to protect themselves from viral pneumonia caused by the coronavirus.”