Chest Infections - Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Bacterial and viral infections cause chest infections. These infections usually affect the lower respiratory airway (bronchi) and the lungs. Chest infections spread through the air by inhaling the respiratory droplets generated by an infected person through sneezing and coughing. In addition, chest infections can also occur by touching the surface contaminated with bacteria and viruses and then touching the mouth and face. These infections usually range from mild (bronchitis) to severe life-threatening conditions (pneumonia) requiring immediate medical attention. The article talks in detail about chest infections and their prevention and treatment.

What Are the Types of Chest Infections?

Chest infections are mainly of two types.

• Bronchitis: This type of chest infection results from an infection in the airway of the lungs called the bronchi. A virus mainly causes acute bronchitis, which may resolve independently. Chronic bronchitis needs to be treated.

• Pneumonia: This is the infection in the airways of the lungs that can cause inflammation and swelling of the air sacs with pus or fluids. Various germs can cause pneumonia, but the most common types are viral and bacterial pneumonia. The disease can spread from one person to another through particles in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs.

• Tuberculosis: This is a bacterial infection in the airways or lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a rare condition but challenging condition to diagnose. Tuberculosis can be a very serious, life-threatening condition without prompt treatment and can be resolved without major complications if timely medical attention is available.

What Are the Symptoms of Chest Infections?

Chest infection symptoms may vary from person to person. These may include

• Wheezing.

• Chest pain.

• Green or yellow mucus.

• Wet cough.

• Shortness of breath.

• Coughing up phlegm.

• General fatigue.

• Muscle pain and aches.

• Headaches due to frequent coughing.

• Fever.

• Sharp sensation while breathing in.

Who Are at Risk of Developing Chest Infections?

Chest infections can develop in any person, but high-risk groups include

• Smokers.

• Pregnant women.

• Young children.

• Older people.

• People suffering from prolonged chest diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), kidney diseases, heart diseases, diabetes, and liver diseases.

• People already have weakened immune systems due to medical conditions like cancer and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

• People receive high-dose treatment in chemotherapy, steroids, and other medications that can weaken the immune system.

When Should a Person See a Doctor?

Chest infections, such as bronchitis, can resolve independently, whereas pneumonia can present severe symptoms and require treatment. A person should consult a doctor if the following symptoms are present:

• Sharp pain in the chest.

• High body temperature.

• Symptoms have been present for more than three weeks.

• Disorientation and confusion.

• Thick mucus with blood while coughing.

• Weakened immunity.

How Are Chest Infections Diagnosed?

Chest infections are diagnosed in the following ways:

• First, the doctor diagnoses chest infections through a physical examination of the patient and investigates the symptoms experienced by the person.

• Mild bronchitis usually does not require any treatment, but if pneumonia is suspected, the doctor may recommend chest X-rays to determine the severity and location of the chest infection.

• In addition, the doctor may also advise sputum and blood test to rule out the cause of the infection.

• In some cases, a pulmonary function test is recommended if any undiagnosed underlying condition (emphysema, asthma, etc.) is diagnosed during the investigation. The test is done with the help of a spirometer device by blowing air into it after taking a deep breath. The pulmonary function test measures the air volume in the lungs and thus indicates the presence of an underlying condition if the lung capacity is decreased.

• The patient's blood pressure is also analyzed because hypotension or low blood pressure indicates a more severe type of pneumonia.

• In addition, the pulse oximeter test is also performed by placing the sensor on the fingertips to measure the amount of oxygen the lungs can breathe in.

• The doctor also recommends blood tests to identify the cause of chest infections.

How Are Chest Infections Treated?

Chest infections, such as bronchitis, usually get resolved within seven to ten days and do not require any antibiotic treatment because it is a viral infection. However, a person has usually prescribed medication (Ibuprofen) to treat the symptoms of chest infections, such as headaches, fever, pain, and aches.

However, medical attention is needed if a person is diagnosed with pneumonia. It is a bacterial infection, and antibiotic treatment is given to the patient at home. In case the symptoms of pneumonia are severe, a person may require hospitalization and intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy.

In addition, a person suffering from a chest infection is advised to drink plenty to prevent dehydration and keep the lung mucus thin. They should also stop smoking and take a good amount of rest.

How Can We Prevent Chest Infections?

Chest infections can be prevented by taking the following measures:

• A person should maintain good hygiene and cover the mouth while sneezing and coughing if they suffer from a chest infection to avoid spreading the infection to other people.

• As suggested by doctors, older adults at a high risk of developing chest infections should get themselves vaccinated.

• A person with a chest infection should quit smoking as it damages the lungs and weakens the defense mechanism against infection.

• Also, eating a healthy diet boosts the immune system. Therefore, a person should eat a high-fiber and low-fat diet along with fresh vegetables and fruits as they make them less vulnerable to chest infections.

What Are the Serious Complications Associated With Chest Infections?

Chest infections can cause complications, such as:

• Sepsis or bacteria in the bloodstream.

• Fluid accumulation in the lungs.

• Lung abscess formation.

Conclusion

Chest infections are mainly infections of large airways and the lungs which can be mild to severe. Some of these mild infections can clear up without treatment, while some are severe and fatal and therefore need medical intervention. These infections can develop in any person, but older people with chronic conditions are more at risk. The infection can spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact, and therefore, people should take necessary precautions and consult the doctor if chest infections are suspected. In addition, they should also take full antibiotic therapy suggested by the doctors if a chest infection is diagnosed.