What You Need to Know about Chest Infections

Chest infections refer to illnesses that affect the lungs or large airways (bronchi). It may be caused by fungi, viruses, or bacteria. While some chest infections are mild and go away on their own, others can be dangerous and even fatal.

Common Chest Infections and Their Symptoms

Chest infection	Definition	Symptoms
Pneumonia	Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, which is usually caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Infants, elderly people, and people with heart or lung conditions are more likely to experience severe illness and may need hospitalisation for treatment. The majority of people usually recover in two to four weeks.	Symptoms of pneumonia may appear suddenly or gradually over a few days. A cough, possibly producing yellow or green mucus (phlegm) Shortness of breath Chest pain High fever Wheezing sounds when breathing, with infants possibly making grunting noises Loss of appetite Body aches Extreme fatigue Confusion, particularly common in older adults
Bronchitis	Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways that transport air to and from the lungs). Bronchitis can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute cases’ symptoms go away in two to three weeks’ time, whereas a productive cough for chronic bronchitis may last for three months or longer.	Symptoms are similar for both acute and chronic bronchitis: Cough with mucus Shortness of breath Wheezing Tiredness Chest pain Low grade fever below 38oC
Bronchiolitis	Bronchiolitis is a common chest infection that affects infants and young children under two years old. It is usually quite mild and manageable at home, but it can become severe. Bronchiolitis is differentiated from bronchitis by the initial symptoms.	Symptoms that resemble a cold: Coughing A runny or blocked nose Sneezing A slightly elevated temperature of 38°C Symptoms can get worse as quickly as between the third and fifth day, but the cough usually takes three weeks to get better.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Diagnosis includes a review of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.

Chest X-ray	To identify infections by highlighting lung fluid accumulation or areas of inflammation.
Sputum test	To analyse mucus (sputum) sample to determine the cause of infection.
Blood tests	To look for indications of inflammation and infection, such as an abnormally high white blood cell count.
Pulmonary function tests	To evaluate breathing capacity and airflow in chronic cases, especially with bronchitis or COPD.
CT scan	May be performed in certain situations if more precise imaging is required to see the lung tissue more clearly and detect any complications.

On rare occasions, if the infection is severe or the cause is unknown, a doctor may perform a bronchoscopy by using a bronchoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera—to examine the airways and take tissue samples from the lungs.

Viral or bacterial cultures may also be done to identify certain bacterial or viral infections, like strep throat or influenza, which may aggravate a chest infection, nasal or throat swabs may be obtained.

Treatment Options

The underlying cause (bacterial, fungal, or viral) and the severity of the infection determine how a chest infection is treated.

Rest and hydration: It is important to give your body time to heal, especially if you have viral illnesses. Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus, which makes it easier to cough up and clear from the lungs.

Medications:

Antibiotics	If you have a bacterial chest infection, like bacterial pneumonia, your doctor could prescribe antibiotics.
Antiviral medications	For viral infections, such as the flu, doctors may prescribe antiviral medications.
Cough medications	Expectorants - Aid in loosening the mucus so that coughing can remove it more easily Cough suppressants - Might be prescribed if the cough is dry Bronchodilators - Might be prescribed to open up the airways if there is wheezing or shortness of breath, especially in those with chronic conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Pain relievers / Antipyretics	Aid in reducing inflammation, fever, and chest pain.
Steroids	Corticosteroids may be prescribed to treat severe or chronic infections to reduce airway inflammation.
Antifungal medications	May be prescribed if a fungal infection is suspected.

Oxygen therapy: Supplemental oxygen may be given in a hospital setting for more severe infections that result in low oxygen levels or significant breathing problems.

Signs to See a Doctor for a Chest Infection

By addressing the underlying cause and controlling the symptoms, the majority of chest infections can be successfully treated. Influenza and the common cold are examples of viral diseases that often go away on their own.

However, you should see a doctor if you exhibit any of the following symptoms:

Persistent cough
Coughing up blood or rust-coloured sputum
Chest pain
High fever
A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute or palpitations
Light-headedness
Confusion or drowsiness
Bluish lips or face

Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you have any questions or concerns about chest infections, contact us to schedule an appointment with the expert team of respiratory medicine specialists at the Gleneagles Hospital nearest to you. We are committed to providing personalised care, tailored to your individual needs.

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