How do I know if my cough has turned into a chest infection?

How can you tell the difference between a cough and a chest infection?

The symptoms of a chest infection are more likely to include coughing and bringing up phlegm. An upper respiratory tract infection may cause a cough, but it can also produce symptoms such as sneezing, a blocked or runny nose and a sore throat. The effects of a chest infection will also tend to last a little longer.

Can a cough turn into chest infection?

Chest infections often follow colds or flu. The main symptoms are: a chesty cough – you may cough up green or yellow mucus. wheezing and shortness of breath.

How quickly can a chest infection develop?

The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days. Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)

How do you get rid of a chest infection from coughing?

Home remedies for chest infection

Take OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and help relieve any aches and pains. Use OTC decongestants or expectorants to help loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. Be sure to get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids.

Bronchitis or Pneumonia; How to Tell the Difference

Can a chest infection clear up on its own?

Chest infections are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter. Although most are mild and get better on their own, some can be serious or even life-threatening.

When does a cough need antibiotics?

Antibiotics only work on infections caused by bacteria. If your cough isn't better after a week, see your doctor to make sure the cause isn't a bacterial illness, like a sinus infection or pneumonia. If it is, you may need an antibiotic.

What are the first warning signs of pneumonia?

When should I be worried about a cough?

Speak to a GP if:

your cough is particularly severe. you cough up blood. you experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain. you have any other worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in your voice, or lumps or swellings in your neck.

Do I need antibiotics for chest infection?

Antibiotics aren't recommended for many chest infections. They only work if the infection is caused by bacteria, rather than a virus. Your GP will usually only prescribe antibiotics if they think you have pneumonia, or you're at risk of complications such as fluid building up around the lungs (pleurisy).

What does a pneumonia cough sound like?

Bacterial pneumonia is more serious and often results in a gurgling sound when breathing and mucus or phlegm when coughing.

How can you tell the difference between a chest infection and a bacterial chest infection?

What does a bronchitis cough sound like?

A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.

How do you tell if a cough is bronchitis or pneumonia?

The ways to tell bronchitis and pneumonia apart are typically you would need to obtain an x-ray, a chest radiograph to determine if there are signs of consolidation or infiltrate on the chest radiograph. If that is found, typically that is more consistent with pneumonia.

What mimics chest infections?

These conditions include pulmonary embolism, diffuse interstitial lung disease, endocarditis, vasculitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, acute decompensated heart failure, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Emergency clinicians should assess the patient while resuscitation occurs.

How do you know if you have a chest cold or bronchitis?

Therefore, with a cold, you will feel it in your nose or sinus area, but you will feel it in the lungs if you have bronchitis.

How long is too long for a cough?

"A cough is considered chronic if it persists longer than eight weeks," explains Dr. Safdar. "At that point, we start to worry whether the cause might be a chronic health condition that needs to be addressed."

What is the most obvious symptom of bronchitis?

Signs and symptoms

The most obvious symptom of acute bronchitis is a short-term dry hacking cough, which can become a productive cough that produces white or yellow sputum. Wheezing and shortness of breath may also be present.

What is heart cough?

What is a heart cough? In heart failure, your heart muscle has dysfunction that might be due to weak contraction or stiffness. This can allow fluid to back up in yout lungs, creating a condition called pulmonary edema. Your body coughs persistently in an effort to eliminate the excess fluid.

How do I check myself for pneumonia?

When should you suspect pneumonia?

See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up pus. It's especially important that people in these high-risk groups see a doctor: Adults older than age 65.

What are the four signs of pneumonia?

A cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus is the most common symptom of pneumonia. Other symptoms include fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath, low energy, and extreme tiredness.

How long should a cough last before seeing a doctor?

Call your doctor if your cough (or your child's cough) doesn't go away after a few weeks or if it also involves any one of these: Coughing up thick, greenish-yellow phlegm.

Will a bacterial cough go away on its own?

The infection will almost always go away on its own within 1 week. Doing these things may help you feel better: Drink plenty of fluids. If you have asthma or another chronic lung condition, use your inhaler.

How do you know you have a lung infection?

Understanding the Signs of Pulmonary Infections

Difficulty breathing, especially during light exercise or regular activities. Chest tightness. Sharp chest pain. Body aches (myalgia)