A chest infection affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia). It is likely that your own immune system will deal with the infection, as most chest infections are caused by a virus. However, antibiotics are sometimes needed to assist with recovery.
These symptoms can be unpleasant, but they usually get better on their own in about 7 to 10 days. The cough and mucus can last up to 3 weeks.
Some cases of walking pneumonia may go away without antibiotics. However, it may take longer to feel better. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about taking antibiotics.
These infections usually go away on their own. You can use pain relievers to feel better. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you are concerned about your symptoms, or they don't go away after two weeks, contact your healthcare provider.
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Most people get better in 2 to 4 weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital.
Fever, sweating and shaking chills. Shortness of breath. Rapid, shallow breathing. Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.
Treating Pulmonary Infections
Chronic conditions such as COPD can require lifestyle changes, medication and even surgery in severe cases. If you suspect that you have a pulmonary infection, it is always best to visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible to seek a proper diagnosis.
Sepsis, a condition in which there is uncontrolled inflammation in the body, which may lead to widespread organ failure. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe form of respiratory failure. Lung abscesses, which are infrequent, but serious complications of pneumonia.
a cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm) sneezing. a stuffy or runny nose. a sore throat.
A classic sign of bacterial pneumonia is a cough that produces thick, blood-tinged or yellowish-greenish sputum with pus. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
Yes, while fever is common in pneumonia, it's possible to have pneumonia with a low fever or no fever. This is more likely if you: Are older than 65 or younger than 2 (especially newborns and infants).
However, it is important to see a medical professional if any of the following occur: Fever over 102 for more than 3 days. Get worse instead of better, especially after 10 days. Difficulty breathing, suffering shortness of breath, or wheezing.
Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by bacteria, a virus or fungi. It often spreads via coughing, sneezing, touching or even breathing, and those who don't have symptoms can also spread it.
Although most types of lung infection are treatable and most people recover, these infections are also very dangerous. This is especially the case for infants, older adults, and people with lung disease or a weak immune system. Identifying the type of lung infection a person has is important for treating it.
Antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. It may take time to identify the type of bacteria causing your pneumonia and to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If your symptoms don't improve, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic.
Signs and symptoms of a chest infection
a persistent cough. coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood. breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing. wheezing.
Stage one: Congestion. The first stage of pneumonia occurs around 24 hours after developing an infection in the lungs. It also lasts for about 24 hours. During the congestion stage, the bacteria or virus has taken hold in the lungs and caused an infection.
Often viral cases of pneumonia begin as congestion and cough with or without fever in the first few days. When a doctor listens to the lungs and finds breathing sounds are not clear on either side of the chest, a viral cause over bacterial is even more highly suspected.