When should I worry about a chest infection?

See a GP if you have a chest infection and:
you feel very unwell or your symptoms get worse. you cough up blood or blood-stained mucus. you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks.


What happens if a chest infection goes untreated?

Bacterial bronchitis can lead to pneumonia if it's not treated promptly. But the majority of people respond well to the treatment of pneumonia and recover. For some people, the condition can lead to complications and worsen other health conditions they might already have. Ultimately, pneumonia can be life-threatening.

When should I go to the ER for a chest infection?

Anyone who is having trouble breathing or other severe symptoms should immediately be taken to the ER. Additionally, people in these groups who are experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms should come to the ER: Infants and small children. Seniors over age 65.


How do I know if my chest infection is viral or bacterial?

The symptoms of viral and bacterial chest infections are similar but the colour of any mucus coughed up may indicate the cause; white or clear mucus usually indicates a viral infection whereas green or yellow mucus suggests that the infection is bacterial.

How long should chest infection last?

These symptoms can be unpleasant, but they usually get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days. The cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.


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What is the best antibiotic for a chest infection?

There are several different antibiotics are effective at treating this bacterial infection.
  • Azithromycin. Azithromycin is a first-line treatment for healthy adults under age 65 with bacterial pneumonia. ...
  • Clarithromycin. Clarithromycin is another macrolide antibiotic that is commonly used for pneumonia. ...
  • Tetracycline.


What are 3 symptoms of bronchitis?

Symptoms
  • Cough.
  • Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood.
  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Slight fever and chills.
  • Chest discomfort.


How long does a chest infection last without antibiotics?

Most chest infection symptoms typically go away within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can last up to three weeks. See your doctor if your symptoms haven't improved or have gotten worse in this time.


What is the difference between chest infection and pneumonia?

The big difference in symptoms involves severity. Pneumonia symptoms are usually more severe than bronchitis, and pneumonia usually looks more like a body-wide infection with a fever or chills. Both pneumonia and bronchitis can develop from bacteria or viruses that cause respiratory infections.

Is a chest infection contagious?

Although chest infections aren't generally as contagious as other common infections, like flu, you can pass them on to others through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, it's important to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and to wash your hands regularly.

What are the early warning signs of pneumonia?

Symptoms
  • Chest pain when you breathe or cough.
  • Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
  • Cough, which may produce phlegm.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever, sweating and shaking chills.
  • Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.


How do I check myself for pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
  1. Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus.
  2. Fever, sweating and shaking chills.
  3. Shortness of breath.
  4. Rapid, shallow breathing.
  5. Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
  6. Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.


What will Hospital do for chest infection?

Treatment in hospital

You will probably not be given antibiotics if the cause is likely to be a virus, such as coronavirus. This is because antibiotics do not work for viral infections. You may also be given fluids intravenously through a drip, and you may need oxygen to help breathing.

Whats the longest a chest infection can last?

Bronchitis usually clears up without treatment in around 3 weeks. See a GP if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks. You may need antibiotics if your bronchitis is caused by a bacterial infection.


Can your body fight a chest infection on its own?

Many chest infections aren't serious and get better within a few days or weeks. You won't usually need to see your GP, unless your symptoms suggest you have a more serious infection (see below). While you recover at home, you can improve your symptoms by: getting plenty of rest.

How do you know if bronchitis turns into pneumonia?

If bronchitis becomes pneumonia, a person's symptoms usually worsen. They will have a cough with mucus and a fever. If a doctor cannot diagnose pneumonia based on the person's symptoms, they may suggest a chest X-ray or blood test.

How quickly can a chest infection turn into pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days.


How serious is my chest infection?

See a GP if you have a chest infection and:

you feel very unwell or your symptoms get worse. you cough up blood or blood-stained mucus. you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks. you're pregnant.

What does a bronchitis cough feel like?

The main symptom of bronchitis is a hacking cough. It is likely that your cough will bring up thick yellow-grey mucus (phlegm), although this does not always happen. Other symptoms of bronchitis are similar to those of other infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis, and may include: sore throat.

What does a chest infection sound like?

When a chest infection is diagnosed, you will hear crackling or wheezing sounds that are occurring due to inflammation and fluid in the lungs.


How can I check my bronchitis at home?

The most common symptoms of bronchitis are:
  1. Runny, stuffy nose.
  2. Low-grade fever.
  3. Chest congestion.
  4. Wheezing or a whistling sound while breathing.
  5. A cough that may produce yellow or green mucus (sputum)
  6. Feeling run-down or tired.


When is bronchitis an emergency?

Antibiotics are not useful in the treatment of bronchitis. Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor? If you have a crushing chest pain, wheezing and breathing difficulty, blood or yellow/green sputum in your mucus, or any of these along with a fever over 101°F, you should be evaluated by a physician.

Is mucinex good for bronchitis?

Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses.


What are the 3 stages of pneumonia?

Official answer
  • Stage 1: Congestion.
  • Stage 2: Red hepatization.
  • Stage 3: Grey hepatization.
  • Stage 4: Resolution.


What brings up mucus in chest?

Bacterial and Viral Infections

Infections such as the flu, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia can cause your airways to make extra mucus, which you'll often cough up. It may be green or yellow in color.