Chest Infection

The main symptoms of a chest infection can include:

• a persistent cough

• coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood

• breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing

• wheezing

• a high temperature (fever)

• a rapid heartbeat

• chest pain or tightness

• feeling confused and disorientated

You may also experience more general symptoms of an infection, such as a headache, fatigue, sweating, loss of appetite, or joint and muscle pain.

A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways, caused by a virus or bacteria. Most cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, while pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria, though it can also be caused by a virus or fungus.

Respiratory infections are typically spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets into the air that others can breathe in. They can also spread if someone touches their mouth or nose after coming into contact with droplets on a hand, object, or surface.

Certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing serious chest infections, such as:

• babies and very young children

• children with developmental problems

• people who are very overweight

• elderly people

• pregnant women

• people who smoke

• people with long-term health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• people with a weakened immune system – this could be due to a recent illness, a transplant, high-dose steroids, chemotherapy or a health condition, such as an undiagnosed HIV infection

At your initial consultation, your consultant will talk to you about your symptoms and medical history and may be able to diagnose you by listening to your chest using a stethoscope.

In some cases, further tests may include: 

• a chest X-ray

• breathing tests

• testing phlegm

• blood tests 

Once any further tests are completed, your consultant will discuss the next steps with you.

It’s not always possible to prevent chest infections, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming infected and to reduce the risk of complications. 

Help prevent chest infections by: 

• getting an annual flu vaccine

• getting a pneumococcal vaccine

• wearing a mask if you’re unwell or are around people who are unwell

• avoiding sharing food and utensils

• practice good hand washing routines 

• stopping smoking, if you smoke

• reducing your alcohol intake

While most chest infections clear up without any complications, severe or untreated infections can lead to a range of complications, some of which may be life-threatening. 

Complications can include:

• spreading of the infection deeper into the lungs, making recovery slower

• pleural effusion – where fluid can build up around the lungs, causing difficulty breathing and chest pain

• a lung abscess, which may need antibiotics or drainage

• sepsis – where the infection enters the bloodstream, potentially causing a life-threatening systemic reaction

• exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, or heart disease

In rare cases, a chest infection may lead to respiratory failure, especially in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

If your chest infection is caused by a virus, such as a cold, you shouldn’t need prescription medication, and your symptoms should clear up within a few weeks. You can take care of yourself at home by: 

• getting plenty of rest

• drinking lots of fluid to prevent dehydration and to loosen the mucus in your lungs 

• using pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen

• having a warm honey and lemon drink to relieve a sore throat caused by persistent coughing

• raising your head with extra pillows while you’re sleeping to make breathing easier

If your infection is caused by bacteria, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help your body clear it. At Welbeck, our on-site pharmacy ensures medications recommended by our consultants can be dispensed promptly after your appointment.

At Welbeck, our respiratory consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.