How quickly can a chest infection develop?

The symptoms of pneumonia can develop suddenly over 24 to 48 hours, or they may come on more slowly over several days. Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)

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Can a chest infection come on suddenly?

Symptoms of chest infections

It can strike suddenly or come on slowly over a few days. The symptoms will depend on your age, the cause and severity of the infection, and any other medical problems you may have. Symptoms include: Fast or difficult breathing.

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How do you know if you have a chest infection coming?

The main symptoms of a chest infection can include: a persistent cough. coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood. breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing.

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What does the beginning of a chest infection feel like?

The main symptoms are: a chesty cough – you may cough up green or yellow mucus. wheezing and shortness of breath. chest pain or discomfort.

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How easy is it to get a chest infection?

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.

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Pneumonia

32 related questions found

Can your body fight a chest infection on its own?

Many mild chest infections will resolve on their own in about a week's time. A chest infection that's caused by bacteria will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics. Severe or complicated chest infections may require treatment in a hospital.

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How do you tell if a chest infection is viral or bacterial?

Bacterial Infections
  1. Symptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.
  2. Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.
  3. Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.

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Do I need antibiotics for a chest infection?

Causes. A virus usually causes acute bronchitis. Bacteria can sometimes cause acute bronchitis. But, even in these cases, taking antibiotics is NOT advised and will not help you get better.

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Is a chest infection contagious?

Although chest infections aren't generally as contagious as other common infections, like flu, you can pass them on to others through coughing and sneezing. Therefore, it's important to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and to wash your hands regularly.

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What are the early warning signs of pneumonia?

Symptoms
  • Chest pain when you breathe or cough.
  • Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
  • Cough, which may produce phlegm.
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever, sweating and shaking chills.
  • Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

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What are 3 symptoms of bronchitis?

Symptoms
  • Cough.
  • Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood.
  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Slight fever and chills.
  • Chest discomfort.

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Can I go to work with a chest infection?

Anyone who has symptoms of a respiratory infection and has a high temperature or does not feel well enough to go to work, is advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. They should follow the guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19.

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What is the best antibiotic for a chest infection?

There are several different antibiotics are effective at treating this bacterial infection.
  • Azithromycin. Azithromycin is a first-line treatment for healthy adults under age 65 with bacterial pneumonia. ...
  • Clarithromycin. Clarithromycin is another macrolide antibiotic that is commonly used for pneumonia. ...
  • Tetracycline.

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How long should you be off with a chest infection?

As a general guide, after: one week – fever should have resolved. four weeks – chest pain and mucus production should have substantially reduced. six weeks – cough and breathlessness should have substantially reduced.

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Do I need antibiotics if coughing up yellow phlegm?

After 2 or 3 days, mucus may change to a white, yellow, or green color. This is normal and does not mean you need an antibiotic. Some symptoms, especially runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to 10 to 14 days.

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Can a cold turn into a chest infection?

Yes, a cold or bronchitis can turn into pneumonia. Bronchitis occurs when a cold spreads to the airways that carry air into your lungs (bronchial tubes). A chest cold is often called acute bronchitis, which is an inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes.

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Is a chest infection an emergency?

It is important to call 999 and receive emergency care if you/the person you are caring for experiences: Severe difficulty breathing. Severe chest pain. Loss of consciousness.

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When does a cough become a chest infection?

your cough is severe or lasts longer than 3 weeks. you have a high temperature for more than 3 days – this may be a sign of flu or a more serious condition, such as pneumonia.

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Can a chest infection be mistaken for Covid?

It can be easy to mistake symptoms of a cold, the flu, or bronchitis for COVID-19. This is especially tricky because the symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild. You won't be able to tell if COVID-19 is causing your symptoms without a lab test for the virus. Your doctor can help you know if you need a test.

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Will amoxicillin treat a chest infection?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia) and dental abscesses. It can also be used together with other antibiotics and medicines to treat stomach ulcers.

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What does a chest infection sound like?

When a chest infection is diagnosed, you will hear crackling or wheezing sounds that are occurring due to inflammation and fluid in the lungs.

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How do you break up a chest infection?

Over-the-Counter Expectorants

Medications called expectorants contain an ingredient called guaifenesin, which may help break up the mucus in your chest. Common brands include Mucinex and Robitussin.

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Can a chest infection turn into pneumonia?

Untreated viral or bacterial bronchitis can turn into viral or bacterial pneumonia.

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What brings up mucus in chest?

Bacterial and Viral Infections

Infections such as the flu, acute bronchitis, and pneumonia can cause your airways to make extra mucus, which you'll often cough up. It may be green or yellow in color.

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Should I go for a walk with a chest infection?

Don't exercise if your signs and symptoms are "below the neck," such as chest congestion, a hacking cough or upset stomach. Don't exercise with people if you have COVID-19 or other contagious illnesses. Don't exercise if you have a fever, fatigue or widespread muscle aches.

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