Chest Infections
We’ve created this page to provide some information about chest infections and available treatments. This page is intended as information only and should not be used to diagnose chest infections or other respiratory illnesses. We have developed this page using information from the NHS, MayoClinic, BNF, and NICE.
If you believe you have a bacterial chest infection, pneumonia, have difficulty breathing or extreme wheezing, you must seek medical advice.
What is a chest infection?
A chest infection is an infection in your lungs. They tend to ‘piggyback’ off viral respiratory illnesses like a cold or flu, and can be stubborn to shift.
For many people, a chest infection may stay as a mild illness which can be treated at home. However, for other people, these infections can be difficult to shift and cause serious symptoms.
What are the symptoms of a chest infection?
Chest infections usually cause symptoms including:
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This is a cough in which you are producing (or feel like you need to bring up) phlegm, which lasts unrelenting for several days
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Wheezing is noisy breathing caused by congestion or other blockages in the airways. It can sound like someone breathing through a straw
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This feels like you can’t get a full breath or you’re having to breathe faster than normal
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This isn’t the kind of tiredness you get at the end of a long day - it’s more like a perpetual feeling of low energy which can happen from the moment you’ve woken up
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You might feel some pain in your chest when you’re breathing - often this is caused by pulled muscles which you’ve injured while coughing. You might also have pain or discomfort throughout your body in your joints and muscles, and have headaches
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A high temperature is not just feeling a bit hot or cold - it’s usually considered a temperature of 38°C or higher. It might be accompanied by shivering or sweating
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Mucus which is yellow- or green- coloured is often a sign of an infection. It can also be caused by seasonal allergies, so coloured mucus alone is not indicative of infection.
How long does a chest infection last?
Usually you can expect a cold or flu to run its course within about 7 to 10 days. A chest infection may take slightly longer.
It is recommended that if you have a cough for longer than 3 weeks, you should see your doctor.
Treating a mild chest infection
A mild chest infection may be able to be treated at home.
We stock a number of products which can help with symptomatic relief - pop in to speak to us for more information.
Treating at home:
Rest
Drink plenty of fluids (water)
Warm drinks like tea or hot chocolate can soothe the throat
Expectorants* can thin mucus and make it easier to cough up
NSAIDs* like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and pain
Paracetamol* can reduce pain
Decongestants* can reduce the amount of mucus produced
Throat lozenges* or sprays* can help with topical pain relief
*Consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication. Some medicines are not suitable for people of different ages, taking different medicines or with different medical conditions
Do I need medical help?
You should seek help if you:
Have a cough which has lasted longer than 3 weeks
Have blood in the mucus
Have tried home treatment but you’re not feeling better
Are pregnant
Are over the age of 65
Have conditions or take medicines which may compromise your immune system
Have long term health conditions
Have any concerns for the health of a child or young person
If you’d like a consultation about a mild chest infection, you can book a minor ailments consultation with us
If you think you may need prescription treatment, such as antibiotics, for a chest infection, you can book a consultation and prescription appointment with us
