Chest infection

A chest infection is a type of respiratory tract infection that affects the lungs or large airways. It may be mild and self-limiting or more serious, requiring medical attention. Chest infections are broadly categorized into two main types: acute bronchitis (infection of the large airways) and pneumonia (infection of the lung tissue).

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Causes

• Viral infections (most common), e.g., influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus

• Bacterial infections, e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus

• Fungal infections (rare, usually in immunocompromised individuals)

• Risk factors include smoking, chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD, asthma), weakened immune system, old age, and recent viral respiratory illness.

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Symptoms

• Persistent cough (may produce yellow, green, or rust-colored sputum)

• Chest discomfort or pain, particularly when coughing or breathing deeply

• Shortness of breath or wheezing

• Fatigue and malaise

• Fever, sweating, and shivering

• Headache, muscle aches, and loss of appetite

• In severe cases (especially pneumonia): confusion, rapid breathing, bluish lips/skin (cyanosis).

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Diagnosis

• History and physical examination: Listening for crackles, wheezes, or decreased breath sounds

• Chest X-ray: To confirm pneumonia or rule out other conditions

• Blood tests: Check for elevated white blood cells or markers of infection

• Sputum culture: To identify bacterial causes

• Pulse oximetry or arterial blood gases: To assess oxygen levels in the blood.

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Treatment

• Mild viral chest infections: Usually self-limiting, managed with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain/fever relief (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)

• Bacterial infections: Antibiotics such as

  • Amoxicillin

  • Doxycycline

  • Clarithromycin or Azithromycin (if penicillin allergic)

• Severe pneumonia: May require hospital admission, intravenous antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and intravenous fluids

• Symptomatic relief: Expectorants, cough suppressants (in selected cases), bronchodilators if wheezing is present

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Possible Complications

• Sepsis

• Respiratory failure

• Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)

• Lung abscess

• Exacerbation of chronic conditions (e.g., COPD, heart failure).

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Prevention

• Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake

• Annual influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination for at-risk groups

• Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (covering mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing)

• Adequate nutrition and exercise to strengthen immunity.