Chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract.
Your lower respiratory tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and lungs. The two most common types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. Chest infections can range anywhere from mild to severe.

Lalamusa Throat Chest Infection

Symptoms of Chest Infection

The symptoms of a chest infection can include:

  • Chesty cough (wet or phlegmy)
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing up yellow or green mucus
  • Feeling short of breath
  • Discomfort in your chest
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Feeling tired or fatigued

Causes of Chest Infection

A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection. For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin.
You can catch a chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets that are generated when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes. That’s because the respiratory droplets carry the infection. Additionally, coming into contact with a surface that’s contaminated with the virus or bacteria, and then touching your mouth or face can also spread the infection.
You may be at an increased risk for a chest infection if you:

  • Elderly
  • Pregnant
  • Baby or young child
  • Smoke
  • Chronic health condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, or diabetes
  • The weakened immune system, either from a condition such as HIV or from being the recipient of an organ transplant

In some cases, a chest infection, such as acute bronchitis, will go away on its own and you won’t have to see a doctor. A pharmacist may be able to help you by recommending over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant medications to help loosen any mucus in your chest, which will make it easier to cough up.

You should always go to see a doctor for a chest infection if you:

  • Over 65 years old
  • Child under 5 with symptoms of a chest infection
  • Pregnant
  • A chronic health condition or a weakened immune system
  • Cough up blood or bloody mucus
  • Symptoms such as a fever or headache that gets worse
  • Cough that lasts longer than three weeks
  • Quick breathing, pain in your chest, or shortness of breath
  • Feel dizzy, confused, or disoriented

In order to diagnose your condition, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination, during which they’ll use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs as you breathe.