Chest Infection Treatment

A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways.The main types of chest infection are bronchitis and pneumonia.

Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria.These infections are usually spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This launches tiny droplets of fluid containing the virus or bacteria into the air, where they can be breathed in by others.

Chest infections are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter.
Although most are mild and get better on their own, some can be serious or even life-threatening.

Symptoms of a chest infection:

• A persistent cough
• Coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus)
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing
• A high temperature (fever)
• A rapid heartbeat
• Chest pain or tightness
• Feeling confused and disorientated