CHEST INFECTION

The types of chest infections are the following:

• Viral infection such as influenza and colds
• Bacterial infection such as pneumonia
• Fungal infection such as candidiasis of the lungs
• The main symptoms include the following:
• Cough with green or yellow sputum
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever of 38C or above
• Headache
• Throbbing muscle pain
• Fatigue

These symptoms can be upsetting, however they show signs of improvement in around 7 to 10 days. The cough can last up to 3 weeks.

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will obtain a medical history and do a physical exam with focus on your lungs. Laboratory tests may be requested such as a complete blood count and a chest x-ray.

TREATMENT

Here are some things you can do yourself if you have chest infection:

• Get a lot of rest
• Drink adequate water
• Use an air humidifier or breathe in steam from a bowl of heated water with or without menthol or eucalyptus oil
• Raise your head up while resting with pillows to make breathing less demanding and clear your chest of sputum
• Use painkillers for fever, headache and body pain
• Drink a hot lemon and honey drink to alleviate a sore throat

Treatment will rely upon what caused your chest infection. Virus infections do not need any antibiotics. For bacterial infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Fungal infections may need antifungal drugs.