Chest Infections
A chest infection is infections that affect your lungs, either in the larger airways or in the smaller air sacs. There is a build-up of pus and fluid and the airways become distended, making it tricky for you to respire. Chest infections can affect people of all ages. Young children and the elderly are most at risk, as well as people who are ill and smokers. A chest infection can be serious for these people.
Symptoms
Pneumonia is more general in winter and spring. It can hit abruptly or come on gradually over a few days. The symptoms will depend on your era, the reason and harshness of the infection, and any other medical problems you may have. Symptoms include:
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Coughing with brown or green colored phlegm
- Fever (sweating, shivering, chills)
- Feeling unwell
- Blue color around the lips (cyanosis)
- Stomach pain
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- General aches and pains
- Loss of Appetite
- A child may vomit, have Diarrhoea, and be irritable or lethargic.
Reasons of Chest Infections
The Main reasons include:
- A virus
- Bacteria
- Mycoplasma(A Special kind of Bacteria).
Diagnosis Methods
- Chest x-ray
- A sample of your phlegm
- Blood tests.
Treatment Options
Most people can be treating at home and make a full recovery. Treatment options include:
- Your own immune system will probably deal with the infection.
- Antibiotics are sometimes needed to help with recovery.
- Painkillers, such as paracetamol, may be advised for pain and fever.
- Your doctor will advise you about other drugs you need to get over this attack.
- Some people need to be admitted to hospital for further treatment, particularly young children and the elderly who are at greater risk of serious complications.
- Review with your local doctor may be needed within 48 hours, especially if you are not improving and again in six weeks to make sure that you have made a full recovery. A chest x-ray may be needed at this time.
