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Symptoms of Chest Infection

The following features are indicative of Chest Infection:
  • coughing up mucus
  • wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • chest discomfort
  • rapid breathing
  • breathing difficulties
  • fever
  • general malaise
  • loss of appetite
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • chest pain
  • cough
  • blue colouration of the skin around the mouth
It is possible that Chest Infection shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Chest Infection

The following are the most common causes of Chest Infection:
  • viral infections
  • smoking cigarettes
  • bacterial infections
  • fungal infections

Other Causes of Chest Infection

The following are the less common causes of Chest Infection:
  • air pollution
  • genetic factors

Risk Factors for Chest Infection

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Chest Infection:
  • maternal smoking
  • stress
  • use of antibiotics
  • children who are 2 years old or younger
  • people who are age 65 or older
  • smoking
  • being hospitalized
  • chronic disease
  • weakened or suppressed immune system

Prevention of Chest Infection

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Chest Infection. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • avoid exposure to lung irritants
  • get vaccinated against the pneumonia
  • wash your hands regularly
  • avoid smoking
  • practice good hygiene
  • do exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet

Occurrence of Chest Infection

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Chest Infection cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Chest Infection can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Chest Infection can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Chest Infection

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Chest Infection:
  • Chest CT scan: To see the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest
  • Chest X ray: To create pictures of the structures in and around the chest
  • Lung function test: To measure how well the lungs work
  • Bronchoscopy: To look inside the lung airways
  • Physical exam: To check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds by listening to your lungs with a stethoscope
  • Blood tests: To determine the infection
  • Pulse oximetry: To measure the oxygen level in your blood
  • Sputum test: To evaluate the cause of the infection
  • Pleural fluid culture: To detect the type of infection

Doctor for Diagnosis of Chest Infection

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Chest Infection:
  • Infectious disease specialist
  • Pulmonologist

Complications of Chest Infection if untreated

Yes, Chest Infection causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Chest Infection is left untreated:
  • respiratory infections
  • heart problems
  • lung cancer
  • high blood pressure in lung arteries
  • depression
  • bacteremia
  • septic shock
  • lung abscesses
  • pleural effusions
  • empyema
  • pleurisy
  • renal failure
  • respiratory failure

Procedures for Treatment of Chest Infection

The following procedures are used to treat Chest Infection:
  • Surgical treatment: Resecting the laryngeal nerve
  • Bronchial thermoplasty: Reduces the ability of the airways to tighten
  • Allergy shots: Reduces the immune system reaction to specific allergens
  • Oxygen therapy: Supplies oxygen in the blood
  • Lung volume reduction surgery: Removes the damaged lung tissues from the upper lungs
  • Lung transplant: Improves the ability to breathe and to be active
  • Bullectomy: Removes bullae from the lungs to help improve air flow

Self-care for Chest Infection

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Chest Infection:
  • Use air conditioner: Reduces the amount of airborne pollens
  • Prevent mold spores: Keep mold spores from developing
  • Get regular exercise: Prevents from asthma attacks
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces the worsening asthma
  • Stay hydrated: To help loosen mucus in your lungs
  • Get plenty of rest: Makes you feel better
  • Take medicine as prescribed: Helps you in recovering the infections more quickly

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Chest Infection

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Chest Infection:
  • Breathing exercises: Improves the asthma symptoms
  • Herbal and natural remedies: Improves asthma symptoms

Patient Support for Treatment of Chest Infection

The following actions may help Chest Infection patients:
  • Pace yourself: Take breaks between the tasks and avoid activities that make the symptoms worse
  • Talk to others with same condition: Connect with people facing similar challenges
  • Child having asthma: Pay attention on the things child can do
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation program: These programs combine education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling that improves quality of life
  • Join supporting research groups: Provides medical knowledge and care about the disease

Time for Treatment of Chest Infection

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Chest Infection to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 1 - 4 weeks

Is Chest Infection Infectious?

Yes, Chest Infection is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • air-borne droplets

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Chest Infection.

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