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Chest Infection

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Infection of the lungs or large airways
  • Can be mild or severe, sometimes life-threatening
  • Often follows colds or flu
  • Symptoms usually improve within 7-10 days
  • Antibiotics are only effective for bacterial infections

Overview

A chest infection is an infection affecting your lungs or the main airways leading to them. These infections can range from mild cases that clear up on their own to more serious conditions requiring medical attention. They often develop after common illnesses like colds or the flu. The cause can be either a virus, which antibiotics cannot treat, or bacteria, which may require antibiotics. Symptoms like a cough, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort usually improve within a week to ten days. Rest, fluids, and pain relief are key for self-care, but severe or persistent symptoms need a doctor's evaluation.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Chesty cough, possibly with green or yellow mucus
  • Wheezing and shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • High temperature
  • Headache
  • Aching muscles
  • Tiredness

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Being pregnant
  • Age over 65
  • Weak immune system (e.g., from diabetes or chemotherapy)
  • Long-term health conditions (e.g., heart, lung, or kidney disease)
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

Diagnosis

  • Doctor's assessment of symptoms
  • Blood test (if needed)
  • Mucus sample test (if needed)

Treatment & Management

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink lots of water to loosen mucus
  • Raise head with extra pillows while sleeping
  • Use painkillers for fever and aches
  • Drink hot lemon and honey for sore throat
  • Pharmacist-recommended cough medicines (for adults)
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections (prescribed by GP)

Prevention

  • Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Wash hands regularly
  • Dispose of used tissues immediately
  • Stay home if unwell to avoid spreading
  • Get the annual flu vaccine
  • Ask about the pneumococcal vaccine (if at risk)
  • Quit smoking
  • Reduce alcohol intake

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Chest Infection:

Chest Infection Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Chest Infection:

Decortication

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Lungs and airways

Prevalence

Common, often after colds or flu

Diagnosis

Symptom review, sometimes tests

Treatment

Rest, fluids, sometimes antibiotics

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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