 often due to a viral infection. Infection with a germ (bacterium) is a less common cause. See separate leaflet called Acute Bronchitis for more details.
- Pneumonia - This is usually a bacterial infection of the lung and may be serious. Treatment with antibiotics is usually needed. See separate leaflet called Pneumonia for more details.
Who gets chest infections?
- Young children and the elderly.
- People who smoke.
- Pregnant women.
- People with long-term chest problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or liver disease.
- People with an immune system that's weakened either by conditions such as some cancers (including lymphoma, myeloma and leukaemia) or AIDS; or by treatments such as high-dose steroids, chemotherapy or other medicines that can suppress your immune system.
What are the symptoms of a chest infection?
A cold - often called an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) - usually starts with a combination of blocked and/or runny nose and sneezing, sometimes with a mild high temperature (fever). You will usually get a cough, which is often dry and harsh but can also sound like you have a lot of phlegm (sputum), which you may bring up. You may also feel tired and achy, but these symptoms are usually fairly mild and you'll be able to keep going with everyday activities. Chest infections can start with these symptoms too, but you don't need to see a doctor if these are the only symptoms you have. The only exceptions are people with long-term lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are more likely to develop serious complications.
The main symptoms of a chest infection are:
- A chesty cough.
- Breathing difficulties (including shortness of breath and wheezing).
- Chest pain or tightness.
- High temperature.
- Muscle aches and pains.
- Feeling very tired.
- A rapid heartbeat.
When should you see a doctor?
Infection of the large airways (bronchi) in the lungs (acute bronchitis) usually gets better by itself, so there is often no need to see a GP. If you have asthma or COPD you should take your doctor's advice. They may have given you recommendations about increasing your inhaler medication or taking a 'rescue pack' of antibiotics and steroid tablets at the first sign of an infection. If not, speak to them for advice if you develop symptoms of a chest infection.
There are a number of symptoms that mean you should see a GP even if you do not have any other lung problems. They include:
- If a fever, wheezing or headache becomes worse or severe.
- If you develop fast breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pains.
- If you cough up blood or if your phlegm becomes dark or rusty-coloured.
- If you become drowsy or confused.
- If a cough lasts for longer than 3-4 weeks.
- If you have repeated bouts of acute bronchitis.
- If any other symptom develops that you are concerned about.
How is a chest infection diagnosed?
Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis of a chest infection by listening to your story and examining you. They will ask about your symptoms and how you are feeling. They may also ask about your medical history and that of your family. They will be interested in whether you smoke, how much and for how long.
The examination may include checking your temperature. Sometimes your doctor will check how much oxygen is circulating around your body. This is done with a small device that sits on the end of your finger. The doctor will listen to your chest, so they may want you to lift or take off your top. If you want a chaperone during the examination, the doctor will arrange one. If you have asthma, they may ask you to check your peak flow measurement.
Often no tests are needed if you have infection of the large airways (bronchi) in the lungs (acute bronchitis) and your symptoms are mild. If your symptoms are more severe and you need to go to hospital then you may need to have the following tests:
- A chest X-ray may be taken to be sure of the diagnosis and to see how bad the infection is.
- Blood t