A chest infection

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A chest infection refers to an infection in the lungs or large airways, typically caused by bacteria or viruses. The two main types are bronchitis (airways) and pneumonia (lung tissue). It can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the person’s age, immune status, and cause of infection.

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🧠 TYPES OF CHEST INFECTIONS

Type	Area Affected	Main Features
Bronchitis	Bronchial tubes (airways)	Cough, mucus, chest discomfort
Pneumonia	Lung alveoli (air sacs)	Fever, shortness of breath, lung crackles

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🦠 CAUSES

Type	Common Pathogens
Viral	Influenza, RSV, rhinovirus, COVID-19, adenovirus
Bacterial	Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Staph aureus
Fungal (rare)	In immunocompromised people (e.g. Aspergillus)
Other	Inhaled irritants, smoke, pollutants (trigger inflammation)

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📊 RISK FACTORS

• Infants and elderly

• Chronic illnesses (e.g., asthma, COPD, heart failure)

• Smoking

• Poor immune function

• Recent respiratory infections

• Not vaccinated (flu, pneumococcal)

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😷 SYMPTOMS

Bronchitis	Pneumonia
Dry or wet cough	Cough (may be productive)
Chest discomfort	Chest pain (worse with breathing)
Low-grade fever	High fever, chills
Wheezing	Rapid breathing, shortness of breath
Mild fatigue	Fatigue, confusion (especially in elderly)
Clear or yellow mucus	Thick green, yellow, or bloody mucus

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🧪 DIAGNOSIS

Test	Purpose
Physical exam	Listen for crackles, wheezing, or dullness
Chest X-ray	Detects pneumonia, fluid, or collapse
Sputum culture	Identifies bacterial cause
Blood tests	Inflammatory markers (CRP, WBC), oxygen levels
Pulse oximetry	Measures oxygen saturation
PCR tests	For viruses like COVID-19 or flu

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💊 TREATMENTS

🔹 1. Viral Infections (Most Bronchitis)

• Rest and fluids

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen (fever, aches)

• Cough suppressants (if disruptive)

• Steam inhalation or humidifier

• Avoid antibiotics (not effective against viruses)

Most cases resolve in 7–10 days.

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🔹 2. Bacterial Infections (Often Pneumonia)

Antibiotic	Used For
Amoxicillin or doxycycline	First-line for community-acquired pneumonia
Macrolides (azithromycin)	For atypical bacteria
IV antibiotics	For hospitalized or severe cases

Complete the full course to prevent complications.

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🔹 3. Hospital Treatment (Severe Cases)

• Oxygen therapy

• IV fluids

• Intravenous antibiotics

• Mechanical ventilation (in respiratory failure)

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🛡️ PREVENTION

• Get vaccinated: Flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19

• Quit smoking

• Hand hygiene and avoid close contact with sick people

• Control chronic diseases (like diabetes, asthma)

• Stay hydrated and rest well

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⚠️ WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

• Fever lasting >3 days

• Breathing difficulties

• Chest pain or fast breathing

• Blood in mucus

• Elderly, infants, or those with underlying conditions

• Symptoms getting worse after initial improvement