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A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or the large airways. It is a very common illness, especially during the fall and winter. A chest infection can be mild, like bronchitis, or it can be more serious, like pneumonia.
read more about chest infection ...A chest infection is caused by germs. It can be a virus, which is the most common cause of bronchitis. It can also be bacteria, which is the most common cause of pneumonia. The infection is spread when a sick person coughs or sneezes, and you breathe in the small droplets.
The main symptom is a chesty cough, where you cough up mucus (phlegm). Your mucus may be green or yellow. Other symptoms include a fever, wheezing, feeling short of breath, and a heavy or tight feeling in your chest. You may also feel tired, have a headache, and have aching muscles.
A doctor can usually diagnose a chest infection by listening to your chest with a stethoscope and asking about your symptoms. If the infection sounds severe or if you are in a high-risk group, your doctor may order a chest X-ray to check your lungs for pneumonia. They may also take a sample of your mucus for testing.
The treatment depends on the cause. If it is a virus, antibiotics will not work. Your body will fight the infection on its own. You should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use pain relievers for the fever. If the infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics.
It is helpful to know the two main types. Bronchitis is an infection of the large airways (bronchial tubes). It is usually mild and caused by a virus. Pneumonia is an infection that goes deeper into the small air sacs in your lungs. Pneumonia is more serious and is often caused by bacteria.
How long does a chest infection last?
Most chest infections are mild and will get better on their own. A cough can last for two to three weeks, even after the infection is gone.
How can I stop spreading it?
You can stop the spread by washing your hands often, coughing or sneezing into a tissue, and throwing the tissue away right after.
Why doesn't my doctor give me antibiotics?
Most chest infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics only kill bacteria; they do not work on viruses. Your doctor will only give you antibiotics if they think you have a bacterial infection, like pneumonia.
You should see a doctor if your symptoms are very bad or do not get better after a week. You must see a doctor right away if you are coughing up blood, have sharp chest pain, are very short of breath, or if you have a very high fever. People with weak immune systems or long-term health problems should always see a doctor.