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22/05/2021 Team Medicover pulmonology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Meghana Reddy S, Pulmonologists

Chest Infection

A chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that affects the lower part of the respiratory tract including the airways and lungs. It is caused by viruses or bacteria and can range from mild to severe. Chest infections lead to symptoms like cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, mucus production and fever. While many cases resolve on their own with rest and fluids, some may require medical treatment, especially in vulnerable individuals like the elderly, children or those with weakened immune systems.

What is Chest Infection?

A chest infection is a condition that affects the lungs or airways in the chest. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or other pathogens and may lead to inflammation of the airways, congestion, coughing and difficulty breathing.

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Types of Chest Infections

Chest infections can be broadly classified into two main types:

Involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
caused by viruses and may follow a cold or flu.
Symptoms: Persistent cough, mucus production, wheezing, sore throat or mild fever.

Other less common types include:

Bronchiolitis
Tuberculosis (TB)
Fungal chest infections

What are the Symptoms of Chest infections?

Chesty cough (wet or phlegmy)
Wheezing
Coughing up yellow or green mucus
Feeling short of breath
Discomfort in your chest
Fever
Headache
Muscle aches or pains
Feeling tired or fatigue.

What are the Causes of Chest infection?

Viruses:

Respiratory viruses like influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus are major causes of chest infections, particularly in the upper respiratory tract.

Bacteria:

Some bacterial infections such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae can lead to more serious chest infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Fungi:

Fungal infections like histoplasmosis and aspergillosis can also cause chest infections, especially in people who have weakened immune systems or pre-existing lung issues.

Environmental Factors:

Things in our environment like cigarette smoke, air pollution and chemical fumes, can increase the risk of developing chest infections or worsen existing respiratory problems.

Underlying Health Conditions:

Certain medical diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis might increase the risk of getting chest infections due to impaired respiratory function.

Immunocompromised State:

People with weakened immune systems like those undergoing chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS patients or organ transplant recipients are more prone to chest infections.

Chest Infection Treatment and Medicine

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics can be prescribed to fight the infection if the chest infection is caused by bacteria. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.

Antiviral Medicines:

Antiviral Medicone may be prescribed to treat chest infections caused by viruses such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus.

Bronchodilators:

These treatments help to open up the airways and enhance breathing, especially in cases of bronchitis or asthma flare-ups.

Corticosteroids:

Inflammation in the airways can be reduced with corticosteroid medications, which may be prescribed in severe cases of chest infections to alleviate symptoms and improve lung function.

Chest Infection Pain Reliever

Pain relievers, fever reducers and cough suppressants may reduce symptoms such as fever, chest pain and coughing. But, it's essential to use these medicine under a doctor guidance.

Fluids and Rest:

Drinking sufficient amount of water and getting enough rest to help your body fight off the infection and recover faster.

Oxygen Therapy:

In more serious cases where your oxygen levels are low, you may need oxygen therapy. This treatment can ensure your body gets the oxygen it needs to function properly.

Chest Infection Recovery Time

The recovery time from a chest infection can vary based on the type of infection, its severity, your overall health and whether treatment was started early. Here's a general overview:

For Acute Bronchitis, the recovery time is about 1 to 3 weeks.
For Bacterial Bronchitis, the recovery time is typically 1 to 2 weeks once antibiotics are started.
For Mild Pneumonia (treated at home), recovery may take 2 to 4 weeks.
For Severe Pneumonia (especially if hospitalised), recovery may take 6 to 8 weeks or more.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Get plenty of rest
Stay hydrated
Take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid smoking and exposure to pollutants.
Follow up with your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

If symptoms like fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath continue beyond the expected time, medical attention is strongly advised.

Best Home remedies for chest infection

Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or a steam inhaler can help clear out mucus in your chest and make it easier to breathe.
Warm Saltwater Gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can soothe a sore throat and reduce swelling in your throat and airways.
Humidifier: Putting a humidifier in your bedroom can help make the air less dry. This can be really helpful if you're dealing with a cough or stuffy nose.
Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink a lot of fluids like water, herbal teas and soups. Staying hydrated helps keep mucus thinner and your body functioning well.
Rest: Make sure to get enough sleep. This helps your body fight off illness and makes it easier to recover.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: Try to sleep with your head a bit raised. This can help reduce coughing and make it easier to breathe at night.
Honey: Mixing honey with warm water or herbal tea can be soothing for a sore throat and might help with coughing too.

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When to See a Doctor for Chest Infection?

You should consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs:

High fever that lasts more than 3 days or exceeds 101°F (38.3°C).
Persistent or worsening cough that doesn’t improve after a week.
Chest pain while breathing or coughing.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Coughing up blood or rust-colored mucus.
Bluish lips or fingertips (a sign of low oxygen levels)
Extreme fatigue or confusion, especially in older adults.
Wheezing or tightness in the chest.
No improvement even after starting antibiotics (if prescribed).

Frequently Asked Questions

Chest infections often present with symptoms like persistent coughing, fever, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing, indicating the need for medical attention.

Typically, a chest infection lasts about a week or two, but severe cases may persist longer, necessitating medical intervention.

Rest, hydration, and appropriate medications help alleviate symptoms and address the underlying cause, supporting the body's immune response for recovery.

Warm herbal teas and broths, containing ingredients like ginger and honey, soothe the throat, reduce coughing, and provide hydration, aiding in recovery.

A chest infection is a lung or large airway infection. Some chest infections are mild and go away on their own, but others can be severe and even fatal.