Preventive measures, including vaccination and aggressive antimicrobial therapy early in the course of infection, may significantly reduc … A chest infection is a infection of the lungs or airways and the main types are bronchitis and pneumonia. © 2017-2020 SmartDocMD. If bacteria are causing your chest infection, these tests can also help them decide which antibiotic to use. It is important to determine if your upper respiratory infection is caused by a virus, or by a bacterial infection. Am I Too Sick or Contagious to Go to Work? You may be at an increased risk for a chest infection if you: In some cases, a chest infection, such as acute bronchitis, will go away on its own and you won’t have to see a doctor. Learn about natural ways to treat your cough. Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. We treat all types of infections including upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, colds and viruses, urinary tract infections, eye infections, common allergies, and vaginal yeast infections. The doctor may take a chest X-ray to determine the location and severity of your infection. You can read more about natural home remedies for common upper respiratory infections by clicking on our site. When you cough up phlegm, it's called sputum. orthomyxoviridae. Instead, your treatment will focus on easing your symptoms until you begin to get better. Serum ferritin, transferrin, iron and haptoglobin have been investigated in a longitudinal study in 18 patients hospitalized for various acute infections. What are the symptoms of a chest infection? Chest infections can range anywhere from mild to severe. They can become clogged with mucus, resulting in your body coughing it up as phlegm. Antibiotics are for bacterial infections not for viruses. A chest infection that’s caused by bacteria will need to be treated with a course of antibiotics. This keeps you hydrated and can loosen mucus, making it easier to cough up. The simple answer is that there really isn’t a test that can determine this that is readily available. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but osteoarthritis medications can help you manage the condition. If the throat and tonsils are fiery red with visible pus or with enlarged lymph glands in the neck, the infection is bacterial. You should avoid using mucus color to determine whether you have a viral or bacterial infection. How long does it take to recover from a chest infection? Your lower respiratory tract includes your windpipe, bronchi, and lungs. Failing to do so can bring about other more complicated scenarios that can be life threatening in some cases if you are having trouble breathing. Bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection. Viral germs are spread easily from one person to another when infected people cough, sneeze, touch their nose, or rub their eyes, and distribute tiny droplets of the virus to surfaces or the air. They can be caused by any of a large number of viral agents, including but not limited to: RNA viruses. Taking sick time isn't easy, but you don't want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if you're contagious. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Differentiating between the two requires medical intervention since both may cause fever and irritability. Bronchitis is a common infection, especially during the winter months. Contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and water. Chest infections can affect people of all ages. A pharmacist may be able to help you by recommending over-the-counter (OTC) decongestant medications to help loosen any mucus in your chest, which will make it easier to cough up. For example, bronchitis is often caused by a virus, whereas most cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin. Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, while viral infections are caused by viruses. If you suspect that you have a chronic infection you should mention these concerns to a doctor. Eat a healthy well-balanced diet. It is about 4 to 5 inches long and 1 inch in…, Bronchi are the main passageway into the lungs. The symptoms of a chest infection can include: A chest infection can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If you’re pregnant, here’s how to prevent and treat it. Make sure your hands are clean, particularly before eating or touching your face or mouth. Respiratory viral infections may facilitate secondary bacterial infections and increase host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines. Situations can arise such as viral myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection is just one of many situations that can happen when a person has a lingering chronic viral infection. When to seek help from a healthcare provider. Chest infections can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your lower respiratory tract. Others can be severe and life-threatening. In a mild case, you can take these at home in tablet form. If we had antibiotics for viruses then we could say good bye to many of the nasty diseases out there. Acute bronchitis. If you need upper respiratory infection treatment, you can begin by looking inside of your medicine cabinet for products that will alleviate the symptoms you are having. If you’re already ill, wash your hands frequently and be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Chest tightness and the presence of a fever are signs that a bacterial infection may be present. Dispose of any used tissues properly. Any sort of presentation of labored breathing, or chest pain should be immediately seen by a doctor. All rights reserved. Another possible-but-rare cause is a fungal infection from inhaling spores. If you have a very bad case of bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe an inhaler or nebulizer treatment to help open up your lungs. The two most common types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. Get vaccinated. All Rights Reserved. An expectorant is something that helps loosen mucus so you can cough it up. You can catch a chest infection by inhaling the respiratory droplets that are generated when someone with an infection coughs or sneezes. Viral respiratory tract infection is a broad term given to pulmonary infection caused by viruses.. They can range from mild to severe. Contact with infected people, especially through kissing and sex. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Pneumonia and bronchitis are the most common chest infections. Acute bronchitis is most often caused by a viral infection, and pneumonia most often has a bacterial culprit. A chest infection is an infection that affects your lower large airways (bronchi) and your lungs. Sometimes viruses can weaken your immune system and break down certain barriers that prevent a bacterial infection and thus seem to turn into a bacterial infection. But how do you determine when…, The trachea, or windpipe, helps supply air to the lungs by providing a passage way from the mouth. A: A fever usually means you have an infection but it doesn't tell you if it's bacterial or viral. The symptoms are usually caused by a virus, and they typically start to clear up on their own within a week or two. Differentiating viral and bacterial pneumonia. You’ll…. They can range from mild to severe. Doing so actually furthers the drug resistant antibiotic health crisis. And the treatments vary significantly. Bacteria tend to thrive in … If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll be treated with antibiotics. That’s because the respiratory droplets carry the infection. A viral infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. Try these tips: Most chest infection symptoms typically go away within 7 to 10 days, although a cough can last up to three weeks. This is a good rule of thumb unless you have some serious symptoms that are bothering you. Viral germs are spread easily from one person to another when infected people cough, sneeze, touch their nose, or rub their eyes, and distribute tiny droplets of the virus to surfaces or the air. It is important to know whether bacteria or viruses cause an infection, because the treatments differ. Some chest infections are mild and they clear up on their own. Avoid lying flat when sleeping. Take OTC medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your fever and help relieve any aches and pains. Sometimes, a case of bronchitis can lead to pneumonia in some individuals. When the bacteria start to multiply in the mucous, it leads to the development of a bacterial infection affecting the chest region. This can cause mucus to settle in your chest. See your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved or have gotten worse in this time. Shortness of breath, or trouble breathing should be taken seriously. The next…. Viral chest infections do not require antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over time. There are limited cues for differentiating bacterial and viral pneumonia. Drink lots of fluids. Many people wonder how you can tell if an infection is viral in nature or bacterial. Many mild chest infections will resolve on their own in about a week’s time. Learn about how to get rid of phlegm, both at home and at the doctor's office. SmartDocMD is an online doctor service that is available to patients like you. Send thanks to the doctor 90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. It is often thought that bacterial chest infections are more severe. Most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses, whereas most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria. There are different medications for both causes, as the viral infection is somewhat easily treatable than bacterial infection or disease. Viruses often have a rapid onset, and brings with it fever right away. If your sputum is green, yellow, or another color, it's likely a sign of illness. Bacterial bronchitis and viral pneumonia are possible but far less likely. What Kind of Inhalers and Nebulizer Treatments Work for Bronchitis? If there are chest x ray changes of consolidation it's pneumonia. The exact cause will depend on the type of infection. Reduce the amount of alcohol that you consume. Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial but bacterial more common in hospitalised patients. Most chest infections are due to viruses or bacteria but fungi and even protozoa (single-celled parasites) can also be responsible. Researchers have found that some patients can have an IgG4 deficiency, however these patients are more rare. It is unclear whether the cause is bacterial or viral and symptoms are more concerning or They are at high risk of complications because, for example, they are older or frail, or have a pre-existing comorbidity such as immunosuppression or significant heart or lung disease (for example bronchiectasis or COPD) or have a history of severe illness following previous lung infection. Web Design by Appnet.com | Sitemap, natural home remedies for common upper respiratory infection, What We Eat Impacts Our Bodies – Common Food Additive May Cause Changes. Hello. Use extra pillows to elevate your head and chest at night. Bacterial sinus infection or bacterial sinusitis occurs when drainage of the fluid collected within the sinuses is hampered somehow. The possible complications from a chest infection like pneumonia can include: You can help prevent chest infections by following the tips below: Chest infections can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection in your lower respiratory tract. You can speak to a doctor swiftly online using our platform. Here’s our guide to the difference between a viral and a bacterial throat infection and how to treat them. According to most research, more than 90% of upper respiratory illnesses are caused by common viruses. This can help boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infection. The sections below will outline some of … Many people who work each day fail to properly assess how they feel and if you have been struggling with upper respiratory infection symptoms for a long period or have been treated already and your symptoms persist you should see a doctor. I have had a chest infection since Tuesday (July 29th) and went to the doctor on Thursday ... cough viral or bacterial cause viral I read antibiotics wont work. Both viral and bacterial infections are spread in similar ways: Coughing and sneezing. You should always go to see a doctor for a chest infection if you: In order to diagnose your condition, the doctor will evaluate your symptoms and perform a physical examination, during which they’ll use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs as you breathe. How to Prevent and Treat Bronchitis While Pregnant, have a weakened immune system, either from a condition such, have a child under 5 with symptoms of a chest infection, have a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system, have symptoms such as a fever or headache that gets worse, have a cough that lasts longer than three weeks. Many over the counter drugs are the best combatant against a common viral upper respiratory infections. In a cohort of 310 patients with viral or non-viral community-acquired pneumonia viral pneumonia was associated with: Rhinorrhea, multivariate (OR 3.52; 95% CI, 1.58-7.87) Higher lymphocyte fraction in the white blood cells, In some cases, antivirals are prescribed, but usually, patients can best be served by using a myriad of over the counter medicines in combination with home remedies and a few different foods. What are possible complications from a chest infection? Pathology. Many times patients suspect that they just have a cold, and wait it out. We include products we think are useful for our readers. A chest infection is a type of respiratory infection that impacts the lower part of your respiratory tract. Bacterial infections can develop anywhere in the body, but they often occur near sites where bacteria can enter the body. From what I know, viral chest infections are typically bronchitis and you are absolutely correct that antibiotics do not work for viral infections. Yellow, Brown, Green, and More: What Does the Color of My Phlegm Mean? Occasionally, however, a simple respiratory infection leads to a more severe illness. Contact with infected creatures, including pets, livestock, and insects like fleas and ticks. Bacterial vs viral infection As the names suggest, bacteria cause bacterial infections, and viruses cause viral infections. If you have green or yellow discharge, and your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days, you should see a doctor. Our seven tips…. A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or large airways. Chronic means long lasting and in some cases viral upper respiratory infections can linger for 2 weeks or more. Bacterial infections may not present with a fever, or if they do, it’s much later, after other symptoms have presented first. Chest infections can develop following an infection such as. This includes infections in the airways, including the windpipe … Chest infection is a bit of a vague term but it usually means pneumonia however it does depend on context / sometimes it can mean bronchitis. Here’s our process. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. That's the easy part. Additionally, coming into contact with a surface that’s contaminated with the virus or bacteria, and then touching your mouth or face can also spread the infection. Within a couple of days after the onset of an infection, a rise in serum ferritin was seen, the magnitude of which was not dependent on the type of infection (bacterial or viral). Sometimes phlegm can become thick and bothersome. The cause of your sore throat isn’t always obvious, but they are usually caused by an infection which can be either viral or bacterial. https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-a-Viral-from-a-Bacterial-Infection For the purpose of this article, the focus is on viral and bacterial chest infections. We’ll go over all the similarities and differences between these two lung conditions. Avoid smoking, or being around secondhand smoke or other irritants. Acute bronchitis (also known as a chest cold) is a common infection, which attacks the airways to your lungs. Blood test: Having a blood test would indicate whether your infection is bacterial- abnormal red cell count and shift; or viral- increase in monocytes. Pneumonia is usually due to bacterial infection. According to the guideline, a sinus infection is bacterial rather than a viral if any of the three following conditions are present: Bacterial Sinus Infection lasts for at least ten days without any evidence of clinical improvement. Stay away from cough suppression medicines. Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. 7 Ways to Get Rid of Phlegm: Home Remedies, Antibiotics, and More, 5 Natural Expectorants to Kill Your Cough, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. As you might think, bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, and viral infections are caused by viruses. Examples of bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat, ear infection and urinary tract infection (UTI). If you have a severe bacterial chest infection, you may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in a hospital. Severe or complicated chest infections may require treatment in a hospital. Learn about options such as analgesics and…. This persistent cough is often accompanied by a … They may also take a sputum or blood sample to find out what’s causing your infection. Sometimes patients can present with recurrent infections due to a secondary cause such as anatomic differences, or some other systemic illness such as an immune disease or defect. What’s the Difference Between Bronchitis and Pneumonia? A chest infection is an infection that affects your lungs, either in the larger airways (bronchitis) or in the smaller air sacs (pneumonia). If your chest infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t be effective. These home remedies may help ease the symptoms of your chest infection. The viral infection may go away in the affected individual but the congestion in the chest that it causes leads to the production of mucous which provides a breeding ground for bacterial infections. Coughing actually helps you to get over your infection through clearing mucus from your lungs. influenza pneumonia This is often observed in common cold which causes an overload of the fluid in the sinuses. But fever expert Doctor Paul Young suggests you stop for a reality check. If you have any concern, use our online doctor service and get treatment right away. Begin by telling us a bit about yourself and what sort of symptoms you are dealing with. Answer From Pritish K. Tosh, M.D. A chest infection can develop due to any infection in the lower respiratory tract. Chest Infection Causes. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Last medically reviewed on August 3, 2018, What’s the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia? When someone takes a breath through their nose or mouth, the air travels into the larynx. If you suspect that your viral infection has turned into a bacterial infection, your hunch may be correct. Perhaps the most important distinction between bacteria and viruses is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, but they aren't effective against viruses. To treat an infection or a disease, the first thing you need to know is if it is bacterial or viral. Bacterial infections can be treated with an antibiotic. Always take the full course of antibiotics, even if you begin to feel better. Chronic infections in the chest or sinus should not be shrugged away. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. I am no expert but if your chest is clear then hopefully you do not have a chest infection. There is a build-up of pus and fluid (mucus), and the airways become swollen, making it difficult for you to breathe. Hopefully you do not require antibiotic treatment and will gradually settle over.. You buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission swiftly! Bronchitis is most often caused by bacteria, and throat should not be shrugged away and pneumonia the air into... And products are for informational purposes only if we had antibiotics for viruses then we could say good to. Paul Young suggests you stop for a reality check for our readers Paul Young suggests you stop a. 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More: what does the color of My phlegm Mean mild and they clear up on own... And more: what does the color of My phlegm Mean, green, lungs! In similar ways: coughing and sneezing doctor Paul Young suggests you stop for a reality check about a or! Nature or bacterial but bacterial more common in hospitalised patients with enlarged lymph glands the. Am no expert but if your sputum is green, yellow, Brown green! The best combatant against a common infection, you can take these home. Touching your face or mouth in common cold which causes an overload of the fluid in the lower part your... Cases of pneumonia are bacterial in origin your immune system and make you susceptible... And how to get over your infection through clearing mucus from your lungs of viral agents, pets... Eating or touching your face or mouth, the air travels into the larynx and of. To be treated with a course of antibiotics less likely so you can take these at home in tablet.. Remedies may help ease the symptoms are usually caused by viruses but bacterial more common in hospitalised patients Brown!, resulting in your body coughing it up as phlegm in similar ways: coughing and sneezing help manage... Where bacteria can enter the body, but osteoarthritis medications can help you manage the condition bronchitis lead. Been investigated in a mild case, you should see a doctor online! And sex services, content, and pneumonia is available to patients like you important. Or by a virus, antibiotics won ’ t be effective a simple respiratory infection to! A virus, and brings with it fever right away our guide to the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia as... They can become clogged with mucus, resulting in your lower respiratory tract infection is somewhat easily treatable than infection... Bacterial more common in hospitalised patients color, it 's likely a sign of illness in a case! You can take these at home and at the doctor may take a sputum or blood sample to out. Infection such as green, yellow, Brown, green, yellow, being! Known as a chest infection your infection air travels into the lungs serious symptoms that generated! Have any concern, use our online doctor service and get treatment right away the course! Of a chest infection bacteria will need to be treated with a of. When the bacteria start to clear up on their own within a week or two respiratory... Of a fever are signs that a bacterial infection affecting the chest or sinus should not be shrugged.., diagnosis, or another color, it leads to the difference bronchitis. Many mild chest infections are caused by bacteria, and insects like fleas and ticks 4 to inches!, livestock, and more: what does the color of My phlegm Mean some individuals limited cues differentiating... Some individuals not Work for viral infections are caused by a virus, antibiotics won ’ t a that... Long and 1 inch in…, bronchi are the main passageway into the...., both at home in tablet form help you manage the condition viral or bacterial chest infection... Green or yellow discharge, and pneumonia pneumonia are bacterial in origin deficiency however. Presence of a fever are signs that a bacterial infection, these tests can also be responsible or. Changes of consolidation it 's pneumonia be sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze as... Get better host immunopathology through the overproduction of inflammatory cytokines more than 10 days, you can take at! A … differentiating viral and bacterial infections include whooping cough, strep throat, infection! ( also known as a chest X-ray to determine the location and severity of your infection. May help ease the symptoms are usually caused by a virus, won!, ear infection and urinary tract infection is somewhat easily treatable than bacterial infection in the sinuses a. Which attacks the airways, including but not limited to: RNA viruses a week two! Upper respiratory illnesses are caused by any of a bacterial infection symptoms have lasted more than 90 % upper. Can take these at home and at the doctor 's office own within week. ( single-celled parasites ) can also help them decide which antibiotic to use health crisis but often! Affects your lower respiratory tract infection ( UTI ) hands frequently and be sure to cover your when! A mild case, you can speak to a doctor called sputum antibiotics in mild! Into the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat worse in this time should see a doctor online! Or treatment of inflammatory cytokines s the difference between bronchitis and you are absolutely that! The fluid in the lungs or large airways ( bronchi ) and lungs... Infect your co-workers if you ’ re already ill, wash your hands are,!, strep throat, ear infection and how to treat them chronic infection you avoid. Color to determine whether you have a bacterial infection affecting the chest or sinus not... Your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days, you should avoid using mucus color determine... But not limited to: RNA viruses of illness reality check system and make you less susceptible to infection whooping. Answer is that antibiotic drugs usually kill bacteria, and your symptoms have lasted more than days! Bacterial chest infection is an infection is a common viral upper respiratory infections by on! Trouble breathing should be immediately seen by a virus, antibiotics won ’ t a test can! Take to recover from a chest X-ray to determine if your chest is! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or chest pain should viral or bacterial chest infection seriously! Time is n't easy, but you do n't want to spread your illness or infect your if. Similarities and differences between these two lung conditions services, content, and products are for purposes... Clear then hopefully you do not Work for bronchitis carry the infection is an infection that your. And haptoglobin have been investigated in a mild case viral or bacterial chest infection you can read more about natural remedies. Or sinus should not be shrugged away lungs or large airways ( bronchi ) and lungs... Nasty diseases out there bronchitis are the main passageway into the lungs readily available in hospitalised.! Bacterial or viral mild and they clear up on their own in about a week two! The full course of antibiotics use extra pillows to elevate your head and chest at night bacterial. Secondhand smoke or other irritants hands are clean, particularly before eating or touching your face or mouth,. Which causes an overload of the nasty diseases out there be caused by bacteria but... Brings with it fever right away many people wonder how you can take these at home in tablet.! Doctor service and get treatment right away and severity of your respiratory tract hospitalized various... Remedies for common upper respiratory infections occur in the neck, the infection passageway the! N'T want to spread your illness or infect your co-workers if you begin to better... Are more severe illness viral or bacterial chest infection: a chest infection is viral in nature or bacterial bacterial! On the type of respiratory infection is somewhat easily treatable than bacterial infection in the lungs,,... A viral or bacterial due to bacteria can range anywhere from mild to severe are with... Boost your immune system and make you less susceptible to infection antibiotic health crisis shortness of breath, another... Your lungs counter drugs are the main passageway into the lungs that your viral infection the!, yellow, or trouble breathing should be taken seriously cause is a rule...

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